Don’t let the record fool you. The San Diego Chargers are good — too good to be sitting in last place in the AFC West at 2-4.
The Chargers have won the two games they’ve played in San Diego by a combined score of 79-23. Nevermind the long flight; that stat alone is enough to make Patriots defenders — last in the league in points allowed — run for the barf bag.
“We’re playing a very talented team that plays very well at home,” quarterback Tom Brady said. “I’ve got a lot of respect for them. We’ve played them a bunch. It’s tough to play out there. We haven’t always had a lot of success out there.”
The Pats know first-hand how well the Chargers play at home. The last time these two teams met, the Chargers “handled” them in San Diego, according to Bill Belichick, 30-10.
This season, the Chargers are not only first in the league in total yards per game (432.7), but they also give up the fewest yards per game (255.2).
Try to figure that one out.
“I know they’ve been in this position the last few years, getting off to a little bit of a slow start,” Belichick said. “This is about where they hit stride and it’s obviously very concerning based on what their track record has been.”
Quarterback Philip Rivers is having a career year, having already thrown for 2,008 yards. That’s the most in the league.
“He throws a great deep ball,” linebacker Jerod Mayo said. “Last time in my rookie year we went out to San Diego, I think it was like four deep balls that he threw and all huge plays. So that’s our main focus; stop the deep ball and stop the run.”
Patriots safety sorry for Heap hit
Patriots S Brandon Merriweather fought back emotion yesterday while apologizing for Sunday’s helmet-first hit on Ravens TE Todd Heap.
“Once again, I want to say I’m sorry for the hit. I understand the league is trying to protect the health of all our players. I don’t even know how to put it, but to be honest I just want all this to go away. I want to focus with the rest of my team on the Chargers and really not let this come up again.”
