Patriots Links for Saturday, 1/19

Sorry I didn't get the links up yesterday.  I had internet connection issues.

Karen Guregian with the Boston Herald has the latest injury news.  Though listed as 'doubtful,' Philip Rivers did walk through practice yesterday.  LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates will play.

In tomorrow's AFC Championship game, the Patriots hope to play better defense against the Chargers.  On that subject, Jeff Horrigan says that Mike Vrabel's return to the OLB position this season has been a great help to the defense.

Guregian discusses Tom Brady's outstanding ability to manage the game.

She also recalls the death of Marquise Hill this past offseason, and says that was the first of several trials the Patriots have had to face this year.

With the Globe, Amalie Benjamin has a notes column that focuses on the long drives that Patriots opponents have been able to put together recently.

Michael Vega has a piece about Laurence Maroney's improved play over the last few weeks.

Bob Ryan writes on the great wealth of experience this Patriots team possesses.

Mike Reiss also has several game-related updates to his blog.