
Leading Off
Tom Management
Starting in his own end zone, quarterback Tom Brady (12) took charge of the Patriots in their AFC divisional playoff at San Diego on Sunday. Brady was shaky through three quarters but returned to postseason form in time to lead New England to a 24--21 victory over the Chargers (page 42).
Rough Cut
With Eagles defenders—and many of his blockers—heading in one direction, Saints running back Reggie Bush went the opposite way for a 25-yard gain in last Saturday's NFC divisional playoff game in New Orleans (page 38). Bush rushed for 52 yards and caught three passes for 22 more in the Saints' 27--24 win.
Solid Gould
With a berth in the NFC Championship Game on the line, Bears kicker Robbie Gould drilled a 49-yard field goal in overtime to defeat the Seahawks 27--24 in the divisional playoff in Chicago on Sunday (page 46). The conference's Pro Bowl kicker, Gould had booted a 41-yarder to tie the game in the fourth quarter.
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Photograph by Peter Read Miller
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Photograph by Bill Frakes
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Photograph by Heinz Kluetmeier