In The Red Zone

This Week

New England Patriots @ San Diego Chargers

The New England Patriots visit the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday at 8:25 p.m.

The Patriots The Chargers
Overall Record 9-3 Overall Record 8-4
Road Record 3-3 Home Record 5-1
AFC West 2-1 AFC East 2-1
AFC Conf 6-2 AFC Conf 6-3

Bill Levy is the referee for the game.

The Line/Prediction

As of Thursday the line on the game from 5dimes.eu via Yahoo Sports has the Patriots at MINUS 3.5. The over under is 50.5.

My Prediction is Patriots 34, Chargers, 20. Give the points (Patriots) and take the over. I am 8-4 against the spread and 6 of 12 on calling the over/under in 2014.

Tickets

Tickets to the game, if available, can be purchased through Ticketmaster. You can check the availability here.

Getting to the Game

If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in San Diego CA make sure you check out the links.

Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for San Diego.

Click for all the game day information including stadium directions, parking information and map and a Qualcomm Stadium seating chart.

Tailgating

Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com. There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack. I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.

You can find other recipes from the team on their website. Includes Gronk’s Buffalo Chicken Dip, Carne Asada Fries, Cincinnati Chili and more.

And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages. With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks. You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.

Whether it’s at the game, a bar or a friend’s house moderation is always the key to a great time. Please don’t drink and drive and designate a sober driver. Remember drive sober or get pulled over.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Television

NBC in televising the game nationally and Al Michaels will do play by play while Cris Collinsworth will provide the game analysis and Michele Tafoya will cover the sidelines. You can look here for your local affiliate.

There is no DirecTV Sunday Ticket designation as the game is broadcast nationally.

Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules; flex scheduling and commercial breaks.

Radio

The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Bob Socci handles the play-by-play and former Patriots QB Scott Zolak will do the game analysis. It all starts with Gary Tanguay and Andy Gresh with the pregame show at 5 p.m. on the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.

The Patriots Radio Network call is available on Sirius Channel 93, XM Channel 225 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 818.

The Chargers Radio Network has Josh Lewin calling the game while Hank Bauer provides the game analysis via their flagship station KIOZ-FM 105.3 and KLSD-AM 1360.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 92, XM Channel 226 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 825.

Westwood One will broadcast the game nationally with Kevin Kugler, James Lofton and Tony Boselli calling the game.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 88, XM Channel 88 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 88.

Patriots All Access

Patriots All-Access features behind the scenes looks, interviews and breakdowns with head coach Bill Belichick and in depth features on the team. It’s hosted by Steve Burton of WBZ-TV (Boston) and airs weekly in most New England television markets.

  • Boston MA on TV 38 Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
  • Providence RI on WNAC Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
  • Manchester NH on WMUR Saturday at midnight
  • Portland ME on WMTW Saturday at 5 a.m.
  • Hartford CT on WCTX Saturday at 5 p.m.
  • Springfield MA on WFXQ Saturday at 7 p.m.
  • Bangor ME on WVII Sunday at 11 a.m.

You can also watch it anytime on the teams website in the media section.

Last Week

The Patriots had their 7 game win streak snapped at Green Bay, 26-21. The Chargers edged the Ravens in Baltimore, 34-33.

History

  • This is the 40th meeting between the Patriots and the Chargers since the AFL days.
  • Teams first played on October 8, 1960 when they were the Boston Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers.
  • The Patriots lead the regular season series 20-14-2. They also have a 2-1 playoff advantage for an overall series mark of 22-15-2.
  • The teams last met in Week 2 2011 at Gillette Stadium and the Patriots won, 35-21.

Patriots Team Notes

New England PatriotsHere is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Patriots Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

  • The Patriots overall franchise record is 447-376-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in seven appearances. Overall they are 25-18 in the post season.
  • They last appeared in the playoffs in 2013 when they beat Indianapolis in the AFC Divisional Round 43-22 and lost at Denver 26-16 in the AFC Championship Game.
  • It was the 3rd consecutive AFC Championship game appearance for the franchise and 10th overall. They are 7-3 in those AFC title games.
  • The Patriots were 12-4 (1-1 in playoffs) in 2013 and are the defending five-time AFC East Champions. They have won the division 11 times and the conference 5 times since 2000.
  • New England is the only NFL team to finish .500 or better in each of the last 14 seasons (2001-2014).
  • They are the first team in the free agency era (1993) to win more than half their games in a 14-season span.
  • They have 11 consecutive seasons with at least 10 wins.
  • All-time the 14 consecutive winning seasons stands 5th behind Chicago (1930-44) 15 seasons, Oakland (1965-80) and San Francisco (1983-98) 16 seasons and Dallas (1966-85) 20 seasons.
  • Since the merger the Patriots have 29 winning seasons.
  • New England is 22-16 all-time on Sunday Night Football.

The Kraft Family Era (1994-present):

This is the 21st season of Patriots ownership by the Kraft family. Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994 they:

  • Have the most Super Bowl wins, 3.
  • Have the most regular season wins, 226.
  • Have the most wins including playoffs, 247.
  • Have the most conference titles, 6.
  • Have the most division titles, 13.
  • Have the most playoff wins, 21
  • Have played the most playoff games, 33.
  • Are tied for the most playoff seasons, 15.
  • The fewest head coaches within the division, 3.
  • Have drafted the most Pro Bowl players, 20.

From 1960 to 1993 the New England/Boston Patriots won a total of 225 games.

In the Belichick Era (2000-present):

  • Since 2003 the Patriots have the NFL’s best record at 147-41.
  • Since 2000 the Patriots are 92-24 in the second half of the season. They have gone 8-0 four times and 7-1 three times.
  • Since 2001 the Patriots are 80-21 in games played on or after Thanksgiving that’s the best record in the NFL, Pittsburgh is 2nd at 63-31.
  • Since 2000 New England is 51-9 in December games.
  • Since 2004 the Patriots are 36-4 following a loss and have not lost back to back games since 2012.
  • Since 2000 they have the best road record in the NFL 76-42.
  • Have 14 consecutive seasons without a losing record.
  • First team to twice score 3 TD’s in less than a minute Week 8, 2014 vs. Chicago and Week 12, 2012 at NY Jets.

Against the Chargers:

  • This is the 40th meeting and the 19th with the Patriots as the road team (18 in San Diego, 1 in Los Angeles).
  • Patriots were 7-11-2 in the series when the teams were in the AFL.
  • Since joining the NFL in 1970 the Patriots lead the series 15-4.
  • New England is 10-7-1 as the road team overall in the series including playoffs.
  • Patriots have won the last two, 5 of the last 6 and 15 of the last 18 dating back to 1973.
  • After playing each other frequently in the AFL the Patriots went 19 years between road games in San Diego (Week 5 1977/Week 14 1996).
  • In that 19 season span the teams met four times and all the games were in Foxboro.

Last Week vs. the Packers:

  • Since realignment in 2002 Green Bay is the only NFC North team to beat New England they’ve done it twice once in New England and once in Green Bay.
  • Loss snapped their 7 game win streak. They are currently tied for the NFL’s best record with Denver, Philadelphia and Green Bay and hold the top seed in the AFC by tiebreaker over the Broncos.
  • Since re-alignment in 2002 New England is 42-10 vs. the NFC.
  • New England is 29-9 in games played in temperatures 34 or colder since 2000.
  • Brandon LaFell set career highs in catches (53), yards (712) and TD’s (7).
  • LaFell had his second 2 TD game of the season.
  • Had 20 first downs to the packers 24 first downs.
  • New England had 320 total yards to Green Bay’s 478.
  • Patriots had 4 penalties vs. the Packers for 25 yards.
  • Seven of the Packers top 10 yardage plays allowed by the Patriots were passing plays the longest being 45 yards (twice – Adams, Nelson TD). Their longest rush against the defense was 24 yards by Eddie Lacy.
  • Eight of the top 10 yardage plays for the Patriots were pass plays the longest being the 29-yard pass to Rob Gronkowski. The longest offensive play was a rush was by LeGarrette Blount for 13 yards (twice).

In the 2014 Season:

  • Have 14 consecutive winning seasons by far the most currently in the NFL.
  • Looking for 12th consecutive season with at least 10 wins.
  • New England has 99 penalties this season in 12 games and has been penalized 866yards. This eclipses the Patriots totals for 2013 when they had 69 penalties and lost 625 yards in 16 weeks.
  • New England is PLUS 11 in turnover differential they are 2nd in the NFL. They have 12 INT and have recovered 8 fumbles while they have thrown 6 INT’s and lost 3 fumbles.
  • The Patriots are 3rd in points scored averaging 31.5 points per game and are 13th in points allowed with 21.1 points per game.

Patriots Staff Notes

This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Tuesday press conference on the Chargers.

Bill Belichick notes:

  • Bill Belichick is 7-5 vs. the Chargers. He is 6-3 including playoffs with New England and 1-2 with Cleveland.
  • Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 208-107 in his 20th NFL season as a head coach. He is 172-63 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 19-9 in the playoffs, 18-8 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 227-117.
  • Belichick’s 227 wins are good for 5th all-time. Hall of Fame member Curly Lambeau is 4th with 229 wins.
  • Is tied with Lambeau for the second most consecutive winning seasons as a head coach with 14. Tom Landry is first with 20.
  • He has won 5 conference titles; he needs one more to tied Don Shula’s record of 6.
  • He is the first head coach to have had 4 teams that scored at least 500 points in a season.
  • Belichick is one of five head coaches in NFL history whose father (Steve Belichick) played in the league. The others are former Kansas City head coach Todd Haley (Dick Haley), former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan (Dick Nolan), former Cincinnati head coach David Shula (Don Shula) and former NY Jets head coach Joe Walton (Frank Walton).
  • Belichick is one of just four coaches to win three Super Bowls, joining Chuck Noll (4), Joe Gibbs (3) and Bill Walsh (3). Those men are all in the Hall of Fame.
  • He is the only coach in NFL history to win three championship titles in four seasons.
  • No coach either as the head coach or an assistant has appeared in more Super Bowls than Belichick who has been to 8 (five as a head coach).
  • He is the only coach in NFL history to have led his team to 10+ wins in 11 consecutive seasons.
  • He has been NFL Coach of the Year three times he and Chuck Knox are the only three time winners, while Don Shula won four times.

Patriots Possible Starters

Offense:

  • LT: Solder
  • LG: Connolly
  • C: Stork
  • RG: Wendell
  • RT: Vollmer
  • TE: Gronkowski
  • TE: Wright
  • WR: LaFell
  • WR: Edelman
  • QB: Brady
  • RB: Gray

Defense:

  • DE: Ninkovich
  • DT: Wilfork
  • DT: Chr. Jones
  • DE: Easley
  • LB: Collins
  • LB: Hightower
  • LB; Ayers
  • LCB: Revis
  • RCB: Browner
  • S: Chung
  • S: McCourty

Patriots Players Notes

Tom Brady Notes:

  • This is his 15th NFL season he is 6-2 vs. the Chargers in his career including 2-0 in the playoffs. He is 68-33 on the road in the regular season.
  • Brady is 37-8 in his career following a loss.
  • Has a 45-7 career record in December games best among quarterbacks with at least 20 starts. Roger Staubach is 2nd at 17-3.
  • He is 16-10 in his career vs. the AFC West in the regular season.
  • Overall he is 157-46 as a starting QB and is 18-8 in the playoffs for an overall record of 175-55. He is a 9 time Pro Bowl QB; 3 time All-Pro selection; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP. He is also listed as the 21st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.
  • Has multiple TD pass games for 8 consecutive games. Week 5 vs. Cincinnati (2), Week 6 at Buffalo (4), Week 7 vs. NYJets (3), Week 8 vs. Chicago (5), Week 9 vs. Denver (4), Week 11 at Indianapolis (2), Week 12 vs. Detroit (2) and Week 13 at Green Bay (2).
  • 387 TD passes in his career makes him 5th in NFL history 3 TD passes behind Drew Brees.
  • 157 career wins are 3rd all-time behind only Brett Favre and Peyton Manning.
  • He has thrown for 2 or more TD’s in 123 games; the team’s record is 105-18.
  • Recorded his 12th season with 3,000 or more passing yards.
  • Has put up 50+ points on an opponent 7 times all since 2007 and now has the most 50+ point games for a quarterback in NFL history. Len Dawson is 2nd with six games of 50+ points.

Rob Gronkowski notes:

  • Has caught a pass in 62 consecutive games it’s the 4th longest streak currently for a tight end.
  • With 1 more TD catch will become first TE in NFL history to have four seasons with 10 or more TD catches.
  • Had 7 catches for 98 yards at Green Bay Week 13.
  • Had 9 catches for 105 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.
  • Leads team in TD’s with 9 and receiving yards with 910.
  • Had 9 catches for 149-yards and 3 TD’s vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • It was his 15th 100+ receiving yard games in his career. Extending his team record.
  • Had 6 catches for 100-yards and 1 TD vs. Cincinnati Week 5.
  • Is 2nd in team history with 52 touchdowns (51 rec, 1 rush). Stanley Morgan is first with 68 TD’s (67 rec, 1 return).
  • Second fastest player to 50 TD’s in NFL history (tied with Randy Moss, 59 games).

Julian Edelman notes:

  • Now has 5 career games with 10 or more catches after an 11-catch game Week 12 vs. Detroit (11 catches, 89 yards).
  • Named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 9.
  • Had 9 catches for 89 yards and 1 TD and an 84-yard punt return for a TD Week 9 vs. Denver for 173 total yards.
  • Punt return TD vs. Denver Week 9 was his 13th punt return of 30+ yards (2nd in franchise history) and his 4th for a TD (new team record).
  • Had 9 catches for 91 yards, 1 carry for 10 yards and 3 punt returns for 12 yards for 113 total yards Week 6 at Buffalo.
  • Leads team in receiving with 77 catches and is 2nd with 743 receiving yards.
  • Opened the season with a 95 receiving yards at Miami and added 81 yards receiving at Minnesota Week 2.
  • Had 156 total yards Week 2 at Minnesota (81 receiving, 9 rushing and 66 on punt returns).

Jonas Gray notes:

  • DNP vs. Detroit Week 12 after missing a Friday morning meeting. Returned to action Week 13 at Green Bay (2 snaps, 1 carry for 4 yards).
  • Named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 11.
  • In Week 11 at Indianapolis had 37 carries for 201 yards and 4 TD’s.
  • Gray set a franchise record with 4 TD’s Week 11 at Indianapolis. Breaking the record shared by Corey Dillon (vs. Detroit 2006), Curtis Martin (vs. Miami 1996), Mosi Tatupu (at LA Rams, 1993), Tony Collins (vs. NY Jets 1983) and Sam “Bam” Cunningham (at Buffalo, 1974) who all had 3 rushing TD’s in a regular season game.
  • Gray’s 201 yards rushing (Week 11 at Indianapolis) are third most in team history behind Jim Nance (208, 1966 vs. Oakland) and Tony Collins (212, 1983 vs. NY Jets).
  • Only 3rd NFL player to get his first four career TD’s in one game and first since Herb Henderson of the Evansville Crimson Giants in 1921.
  • Tied a single game NFL record with 15 rushing first downs Week 11 at Indianapolis with Corey Dillon and Edgerrin James.
  • Leads team in rushing TD’s (4).
  • Is second on team in rushing yards with 332 just 8 yards behind Stevan Ridley who is on the season ending IR.
  • Had 86 yards on 17 carries in his second NFL game Week 8 vs. Chicago.

Tim Wright notes:

  • Had 5 catches for 36 yards including 2 for TD’s vs. Detroit Week 12.
  • Had 7 catches for 61-yards and a TD vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • Has TD catches in 4 of the last 6 games Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Buffalo, Week 8 vs. Chicago and Week 11 at Indianapolis.

Brandon LaFell notes:

  • Had 5 catches for 38 yards and 2 TD’s Week 13 at Green Bay. It was his second 2 TD game of the year and third of his career.
  • Had 9 catches for a team high 98 yards Week 12 vs. Detroit.
  • Had 6 catches for 53 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.
  • Had 11 catches for 124 yards (both career highs) and 1 TD vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • Had 4 catches for 97 yards and 2 TD’s at Buffalo Week 6 it was his 2nd two TD game of his career.

Shane Vereen notes:

  • Leads team in rushing yards with 346 yards.
  • Had 29 rushing yards and 38 receiving yards and 1 TD catch Week 9 vs. Denver.
  • Had 43 rushing yards on 11 carries and 5 catches for 71 yards and 2 TD’s for 114 total yards from scrimmage Week 7 vs. New York.
  • Had 90 rushing yards on 9 carries and 3 catches for 18 receiving yards for 108 yards from scrimmage Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.
  • Set franchise record with receptions (12) and receiving yards (153) by a running back in a single-game Week 14 (2013) vs. Cleveland.
  • Became just fourth NFL running back to post 150 receiving yards in a single-game in the last 10 seasons.

LeGarrette Blount notes:

  • Ran for 78 yards and 2 TD’s on 12 carries in his Patriots return vs. Detroit Week 12. The 2 TD game was the 4th of his career and 2nd as a Patriot.
  • Returns to Foxboro after being released by Pittsburgh after Week 11. Signed a two-year deal at veteran minimums.
  • Had 266 yards rushing with 2 TD’s on 65 carries for the Steelers this year. Also caught 6 passes for 36 yards.

Stephen Gostkowski notes:

  • Had a 15-point game vs. Chicago Week 8 with 3 field goals and 6 XPT’s.
  • Missed his first field goal attempt of 2014 in first quarter, Week 6 at Buffalo.
  • Had a 19-point game vs. Cincinnati Week 5 with 5 field goals and 4 XPT’s. The five field goals were a new career high.
  • Missed on a 4th quarter field goal for first time in 34 attempts Week 13 at Green Bay.
  • Has not missed an extra point since Week 17 2006 at Tennessee in his rookie season.
  • Lead NFL in scoring in both 2012 and 2013.
  • Has scored at least 1 point in 117 consecutive games a franchise record.
  • He is tied for second in team history in points (1,143) trailing only Adam Vinatieri (1,158).
  • Has team record of 13 career field goals of 50+ yards.

Vince Wilfork notes:

  • Was in on 6 tackles (2 solo) Week 6 at Buffalo.
  • Had his 3rd career INT vs. Oakland Week 3. He is the first Patriots lineman to have 3 career INT’s.
  • Has 7 fumbles recoveries since 2010 the second most in the NFL in that span behind teammate Rob Ninkovich.

Darrelle Revis notes:

  • Had 4 passes defensed Week 12 vs. Detroit.
  • Leads team with 14 passes defensed.
  • Has 23 career INT’s and is one of the top shutdown corners in the NFL.
  • Got his 2nd INT of the year at the end of half Week 8 vs. Chicago.
  • Had his first forced fumble of the year Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.
  • In Patriots debut Week 1 at Miami had 1 tackles, 2 passes defensed and recovered a fumble.
  • Had his first Patriots INT Week 2 at Minnesota against Matt Cassel. Also had 3 tackles and 1 pass defensed.

Rob Ninkovich notes:

  • Had 5 tackles (4 solo), a sack, a tackle for loss and 2 QB hits Week 11 at Indianapolis.
  • Had 3 tackles (1 solo), 1 INT and 1 pass defensed vs. Denver Week 9.
  • Had his 13th career fumble recovery Week 8 vs. Chicago. The 13-fumble recoveries are the most in the NFL since 2010.
  • The TD return was the second of his career. He had an INT return for TD in 2011 Week 9 at NY Jets.
  • Leads team with 6 sacks.
  • Week 6 at Buffalo had 6 tackles (4 solo) and 3 sacks. It was his first career 3-sack day.
  • Week 2 at Minnesota had 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 2 QB hits.

Dont’a Hightower notes:

  • Had 10 tackles (4 solo), 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss and 1 QB hit Week 13 at Green Bay.
  • Had 8 tackles (5 solo) and a QB hit Week 12 vs. Detroit.
  • Had 6 tackles (3 solo), 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed Week 11 at Indianapolis.
  • Had 10 tackles (4 solo) vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • Returned after a 2 week absence and had 13 tackles (9 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 7 vs. the Jets.
  • Didn’t play Week 5 vs. Cincinnati or Week 6 at Buffalo due to a knee injury.
  • Second on team in tackles with 73 (56 solo) and tied for 2nd on team with 4.5 sacks.
  • His 4.5 sacks is a new career high.
  • Along with Chandler Jones he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed.
  • Had his first career 2-sack game Week 2 at Minnesota.

Jamie Collins notes:

  • Led team in tackles Week 8 vs. Chicago with 11 (6 solo), Week 9 vs. Denver with 11 (10 solo), Week 11 at Indianapolis with 8 (5 solo) and Week 13 at Green Bay with 13 (7 solo).
  • Had 13 tackles (7 solo), 1 sack and his 3rd forced fumble of the season at Green Bay Week 13.
  • Had two tackles for loss and forced his second fumble of the year Week 11 at Indianapolis.
  • Had 13 tackles (7 solo) Week 7 vs. NY Jets.
  • Leads team with 85 tackles (56 solo).
  • Had 4 tackles (2 solo) and an INT Week 6 at Buffalo. It was his first NFL INT.
  • Has recovered a fumble and forced 2 fumbles in 2014.

Akeem Ayers notes:

  • Has a sack in three of his five games as a Patriot.
  • Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss vs. Detroit Week 12.
  • Had 5 tackles (2 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 8 vs. Chicago.
  • Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 9 vs. Denver.

General Team news:

Roster moves/transactions this week:

Patriots team captains for 2014:

  • QB Tom Brady
  • G/C Dan Connolly
  • WR Matthew Slater (special teams)
  • DT Vince Wilfork
  • LB Jerod Mayo (IR)
  • S Devin McCourty (replaces Mayo)

Former Chargers on the Patriots:

  • none

Players with New England roots:

  • none

Players with California roots:

  • LB Akeem Ayers – Los Angeles CA
  • QB Tom Brady – San Mateo CA
  • CB Brandon Browner – Sylmar CA
  • S Patrick Chung – Rancho Cucamonga CA
  • WR Julian Edelman – Redwood City CA
  • WR Matthew Slater – Anaheim CA
  • RB Shane Vereen – Valencia CA
  • G Ryan Wendell – Pomona CA
  • OL Chris Barker (practice squad) – Etiwanda CA
  • OL Caylin Hauptmann (practice squad) – Los Angeles CA
  • RB Tyler Gaffney (IR) – San Diego CA

Players from New England based colleges and universities:

Players from California based colleges and universities:

  • G Ryan Wendell – Fresno State
  • RB Shane Vereen – California
  • WR Matthew Slater – UCLA
  • OL Cameron Fleming – Stanford
  • LB Akeem Ayers – UCLA
  • RB Tyler Gaffney (IR) – Stanford

The Patriots have 6 retired numbers:

  • 20 – Gino Cappelletti
  • 40 – Mike Haynes
  • 73 – John Hannah
  • 78 – Bruce Armstrong
  • 79 – Jim Lee Hunt
  • 89 – Bob Dee

Chargers Team Notes

San Diego ChargersHere is the Chargers roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Chargers Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

  • San Diego’s all-time record is 416-405-11 they are 11-17 in the post season with their last post season appearance coming in 2013 when they beat Cincinnati on the road in the AFC Wild Card game and lost on the road to Denver in the AFC Division Game.
  • They have never won a Super Bowl in 1 appearance. They lost Super Bowl XXIX to San Francisco 49-26.
  • They last played for a conference championship in 2007 losing at Gillette Stadium to New England, 21-12.
  • The won 1 AFL Championship in 1963 beating the Boston Patriots 51-10 at Balboa Stadium in San Diego. They lost in four other AFL Championship Games.
  • Last season was their first playoff season since 2009.
  • Since 2002 realignment the Chargers have won the AFC West 5 times and earned one wild card.
  • Have called 3 stadiums home in their history (est. 1960) – Los Angeles Coliseum, Balboa Park and San Diego/Jack Murphy/Qualcomm Stadium
  • Since 2002 the Chargers scored 26.8 points per game at home that’s the 4th best total in the NFL in that time.
  • First Sunday Night Football game in San Diego since 2011.
  • Since bringing the powder blue alternate back in 1994 the Chargers are 15-12 when wearing them.

Against the Patriots:

  • Chargers will wear their powder blue uni’s for the game.
  • Chargers led the series 11-7-2 in the series when the teams were in the AFL.
  • Since the 1970 NFL/AFL merger San Diego is just 4-15 in the series vs. New England.
  • Chargers are 7-10-1 as the home team overall in the series including playoff matchup’s (1-1).
  • In 2007 Phillip Rivers played in the AFC Championship Game in Foxboro just six days after ACL surgery. This is also remembered as the day LaDainian Tomlinson stood on the sideline and pouted.

In 2014:

  • San Diego has a 3 game win streak after having lost the previous three games. Before that they had won five in a row.
  • In second place in the AFC West 1 game behind Denver.
  • Held three teams (NY Jets, Buffalo and Oakland) to 10 points or less.
  • San Diego is steeped in military tradition and the Chargers have six players who come from military families.
  • San Diego has 77 penalties this season in 12 games and has been penalized 736 yards.
  • San Diego is MINUS 1 in turnover differential. They have 7 INT’s and have recovered 6 fumbles while they have thrown 10 INT’s and lost 4 fumbles.
  • The Chargers are 14th in points scored averaging 23.3 points per game and are 12th in fewest points allowed with 20.8 points per game.

Chargers Staff Notes

Read what San Diego head coach Mike McCoy had to say to the New England media about the match up.

Mike McCoy notes:

  • Mike McCoy is in his 2nd year as an NFL head coach all with the Chargers. He has a regular season record of 17-11 and he is 1-1 in the playoffs for an overall record of 18-12.
  • McCoy has never faced New England in his career.
  • 15th head coach in Chargers history replaced Norv Turner.
  • Played quarterback in the NFL with Denver, Green Bay, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Seattle from 1995-99. Also played in CFL with Calgary and in NFL Europe with Amsterdam.
  • Was on Josh McDaniels staff in Denver as offensive coordinator. He was Broncos offensive coordinator from 2009-2011 and worked under 3 head coaches.
  • Since taking over in 2013 he has wins over the last three Super Bowl winners.

Other Staff/Personnel notes:

  • Former NFL QB Frank Reich is in his first season as the Chargers offensive coordinator, was previously the quarterbacks coach. Reich played 13 seasons in the NFL with Buffalo, Carolina, NY Jets and Detroit. He is best known as Jim Kelly’s back up in Buffalo during the Bills Super Bowl years and for leading the Bills to a miraculous comeback playoff win over Houston in 1992. He got them to the Super Bowl that season losing to Dallas 52-17.
  • John Pagano is the defensive coordinator for the Chargers, he is the brother of Colts head coach Chuck Pagano. He is in his third season as the coordinator after spending 7 seasons as San Diego’s linebackers coach (2005-11). He is working for his third head coach in San Diego (Schottenheimer, Turner, McCoy).
  • Special teams coach Kevin Spencer played football and lacrosse at Springfield College. He also was the head coach at Wesleyan University (1987-91).
  • Running backs coach Ollie Wilson is a native of Worcester MA played four sports at Doherty HS. He played football at Springfield College, where he was an honorable mention All-America wide receiver.
  • Assistant strength and conditioning coach Rick Lyle played for the Patriots from 2002-03, winning a Super Bowl championship in his final season as a player.

Chargers Possible Starters

Offense:

  • LT: Dunlap
  • LG: Rinehart
  • C: Robinson
  • RG: Troutman
  • RT: Flucker
  • TE: Gates
  • WR: Allen
  • WR: Royal
  • WR: Floyd
  • QB: Rivers
  • RB: Oliver

Defense:

  • DE: Reyes
  • NT: Lissemore
  • DT: Palepoi
  • LB: Ingram
  • LB: Te’o
  • LB: Butler
  • LB: J. Johnson
  • LCB: Flowers
  • RCB: Wright
  • S: Gilchrist
  • S: Weddle

Chargers Players Notes

Phillip Rivers notes:

  • He was the New York Giants 1st round pick (4th overall) in the 2005 NFL Draft out of North Carolina State. He was traded with additional picks to San Diego for QB Eli Manning who was selected by San Diego in the 1st round (1st overall) in the 2005 NFL Draft.
  • In 11 NFL seasons he has a career record of 87-53 and is 4-5 in the playoffs for an overall record of 91-58.
  • He 1-5 vs. the Patriots including 0-2 in the playoffs.
  • He has been selected to 5 Pro Bowls.
  • Since 2006 Rivers is 33-6 in December/January games.
  • He is 53-22 in games started November 1 or later.
  • One of three quarterbacks to thrown 25 TD’s or more in 7 consecutive seasons.
  • He has started 140 consecutive games, the second longest active streak (Eli Manning NYG 164 games).
  • In Week 2 vs. Seattle, Week 3 at Buffalo, Week 4 vs. Jacksonville, Week 5 vs. NY Jets and Week 6 at Oakland he posted a passer rating of 120.0 or more to set a new NFL record for most consecutive games.
  • Has 19 4th quarter comeback wins in his career.

Antonio Gates notes:

  • Has 9 TD’s this season.
  • Along with Patriots Rob Gronkowski has a chance to be first tight end to have 4 seasons with 10 TD’s or more.
  • 10th in NFL history with 96 TD catches.
  • Needs 233 yards to reach 10,000 career receiving yards.
  • AFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 2 vs. Seattle had 3 TD catches.

Keenan Allen notes:

  • Leads team in catches (72) and receiving yards (762).
  • Had career high 10 catches and 135 yards Week 4 vs. Jacksonville.
  • Had career long 29 yard punt return Week 6 at Oakland.
  • Week 12 vs. St. Louis had 6 catches for 104 yards and 1 TD.
  • Set new career high with 11 catches Week 13 at Baltimore for 121 yards and 2 TD’s.

Branden Oliver notes:

  • Inactive Weeks 1 and 2.
  • Made NFL debut Week 3 at Buffalo.
  • Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week for Week 5 vs. NY Jets ran for 114 yards and 1 TD.
  • Leads team in rushing yards (431).
  • Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week for Week 6 at Oakland ran for 101 yards and 1 TD.

Ryan Matthews notes:

  • 4th in Chargers history with 4,017 rushing yards.
  • 6th in Chargers history with 23 rushing TD’s.
  • Suffered a knee injury Week 2 vs. Seattle did not return until Week 11 vs. Oakland.
  • Week 12 vs. St. Louis had a career long 32-yard rushing TD.

Malcolm Floyd notes:

  • Needs 178 yards for 5,000 career receiving yards.
  • Has 278 career catches and 29 career TD’s.
  • Had 250th career catch Week 5 vs. NY Jets.
  • Played in 100th game Week 11 vs. Oakland.

Donald Brown notes:

  • Former Indianapolis first round pick out of UConn (2009)
  • Week 3 at Buffalo set career high with 31 carries.
  • Suffered concussion Week 5 vs. NY Jets, did not return to action until Week 10 at Miami.

Eric Weddle notes:

  • Has 19 career INT’s, 11th in Chargers history.
  • Had 10 tackles Week 4 vs. Jacksonville.
  • Started 100th career game Week 7 vs. Kansas City.

Corey Liuget notes:

  • AFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 3 at Buffalo. Had sack, forced fumble, 3 pressures and 1 QB hit.

Dwight Freeney notes:

  • Started 150th career game Week 4 vs. Jacksonville.
  • Had his first sack as a Charger Week 2 vs. Seattle
  • Former Colt All-Pro DE moved to LB.
  • Played his high school football at Bloomfield CT High School.

General Team notes:

Chargers team captains for 2014 are:

  • QB Phillip Rivers
  • TE Antonio Gates
  • S Eric Weddle
  • LB Jarrett Johnson
  • S Darrell Stuckey
  • A sixth captain is appointed each week prior to the game.

Players who attended New England based universities or colleges:

  • RB Donald Brown – UConn
  • DE Kendell Reyes – UConn
  • DE Damik Scafe (IR) – Boston College
  • CB Kendall James (practice squad) – Maine

Players with New England roots:

  • DE Kendell Reyes – Nashua NH
  • LB Dwight Freeney – Bloomfield CT
  • DE Damik Scafe (IR) – Windsor CT

Former Patriots with the Chargers:

The Chargers have 3 retired numbers:

Next Week

Miami DolphinsUp next: Miami Dolphins – AFC East

Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro MA

Date/Time: Sunday December 14 1 p.m.

TV Network: CBS