Chargers give one to the Patriots

The Chargers gave Tom Brady one too many chances on Sunday.

After six dropped passes, three turnovers and two undisciplined second-half personal foul penalties, San Diego, who controlled much of the game from a total yardage and field-position standpoint, handed the Patriots a 24-21 victory Sunday.

Brady, who completed 27-of-51 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns, hit Reche Caldwell in the corner of the end zone with a 4-yard touchdown pass and Kevin Faulk ran in the ensuing two-point conversion to tie the game at 21 with 4:46 left in the fourth quarter.

The Patriots, after forcing a three-and-out on San Diego's next possession, then drove 72 yards in eight plays, setting up a game-winning 31-yard field goal by Stephen Gostkowski with a little over a minute left.

The key moment in the decisive drive came on third-and-10, when Brady floated the ball perfectly over the outstretched hand of Chargers cornerback Quinton Jammer for a 49-yard completion to Caldwell, who was streaking down the sideline.

The Chargers drove to the Patriots' 36-yard line in the waning moments, but Nate Kaeding missed a 54-yard field goal attempt.

Brady, who has a reputation as clutch postseason performer, was far from his best, throwing three interceptions and missing a number of open receivers on a day when New England all but gave up on the run, especially in the second half.