Tom Brady says unbeaten Patriots have not accomplished much yet
BOSTON (Reuters) - The New England Patriots are 17-0 this season, though quarterback Tom Brady noted on Wednesday that the team is yet to improve on last year.
The Patriots host the San Diego Chargers on Sunday in the AFC title game with a Super Bowl berth on the line. New England fell at the same hurdle last year to the eventual champions, the Indianapolis Colts.
"I think we really are at the same point we were last season and I wasn't very happy with the way last year ended," Brady told reporters in a teleconference call on Wednesday.
"So we are no better than we were last year at this time. This is the most important game of the year."
Brady, who set a single season record for touchdown passes in leading the Patriots to an NFL record points total, and his team mates, are on course to become the only side other than the 1972 Miami Dolphins to go unbeaten and win the championship.
The quarterback, who already collected three Super Bowl rings since 2001 under coach Bill Belichick, said the coach's philosophy would not allow them to look ahead to the future.
"You just have to focus on your job and being as well prepared as possible and doing well each week," Brady said.
"I think that's really worked how Coach Belichick really stresses the importance of preparation each week and to not look (ahead).
"You can't win a game two weeks from now. You can only prepare for the team that you play.
TIGHT GAMES
"We had so many tight games this year, I really think the preparation we put in has been so critical to what we've accomplished."
San Diego (13-5) began the season 1-3 under new coach Norv Turner.
A hard-charging finish has produced eight wins in a row for San Diego, although injuries to quarterback Philip Rivers and running back LaDainian Tomlinson have clouded their prospects.
Brady, however, sees only the potential dangers.
"It's extremely challenging this week when you play a team as dangerous as the Chargers, that have talent at every position," said Brady.
"And they are one year removed from being 14-2. It's really the same team back.
"This is the best team in the second half of the season, averaging 30 points a game, they have given up 13 points a game ...and they can rush the passer and bombard you with interceptions.
"It's really a dynamic group of pass rushers and linebackers ...and it will be extremely tough for us this week."
The Patriots have met every challenge this year but Brady knows one stumble can ruin what looked like perfection.
"It all means nothing if we lose this week," he said.
(Writing by Larry Fine in New York, editing by Martin Petty)
