New leader, same objective

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Thursday, Oct 09, 2008
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

When Chargers defensive coordinator flipped on the film of the Patriots’ offense this week, he saw wide receiver Randy Moss catching the deep ball, wide receiver Wes Welker running after the catch, running back Laurence Maroney breaking tackles and a big, physical offensive line setting the tone.

“This is still one of the best teams in the league even with (quarterback Tom) Brady out,” Cottrell said. “Those guys know what they’re doing. We’ve got to play our best and not give up too many big plays.”

Cassel will make his fourth start of the season Sunday night when the Patriots visit Qualcomm Stadium. While the fourth-year pro doesn’t have the credentials that three-time Super Bowl winner Brady does, the Chargers see the Patriots taking the same approach with their new signal caller.

“They haven’t changed a thing,” Cottrell said. “He’s been there a couple years. He’s very familiar with the system. He’s done some nice things.”

The results have been pretty much the same for the Patriots in the win/loss column as New England is 3-1 and tied for the AFC East lead. However, the statistics through three games are a bit different.

A year ago under Brady, the Patriots led the NFL in scoring, total offense and in passing yards. Through four games, they’re 25^th in points, 23^rd in total offense and 21^st in passing yards.

Cottrell sees New England as a team that will take their chances down the field, considering the presence of Moss, however early on they weren’t having as much success doing so. Through the first two games last season, the Patriots had seven passes that covered 20 yards or more. This season, they have five such plays in four games.

Last week at San Francisco that changed. Moss had a 111-yard day, including a 66-yard touchdown catch from Cassel. Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner sees New England opening things up.

“Early they were being very careful,” Turner said. “Last week they opened it up a little more. You can tell (Cassel) is getting more comfortable. They’re getting more comfortable with him. There’s a process they’re going through, but Matt had some great throws last week and you can see him getting quicker with the ball and getting a lot more comfortable with the offense.”

Another statistical difference can be found in the number of sack’s allowed. In 2007, Brady went down just 21 times. Cassel has already been sacked 15 times in four games.

Still, Cottrell points out that taking a sack isn’t the worst thing a quarterback can do. Cassel has thrown just three interceptions in 107 passes.

“He’s been smart,” Cottrell said. “That’s a trademark of New England. They’re smart. We’re going to have to tackle well and execute our defense Sunday because this is a good offense we’re playing. We’ve got a challenge.”

LT back at it

After taking Wednesday off, LaDainian Tomlinson was back on the practice field Thursday. Wide receiver Chris Chambers (ankle) didn’t work for a second-consecutive day, and linebacker Jyles Tucker (hamstring) remains sidelined. As he was Wednesday, fullback Mike Tolbert (ankle) was limited.

Wide receiver Vincent Jackson (knee) sat out Thursday after slipping during Wednesday’s practice, and cornerback Antonio Cromartie (hip) was limited Thursday.

Power blues

The Chargers will celebrate alumni weekend as they host the Patriots and will be in their powder blue alternate jerseys Sunday night. The Bolts have won their last five games in their powder blues, a streak that goes back to their November 2005 win over the Buffalo Bills. That day, the retired Lance Alworth’s jersey number 19.

Sunday night, the Bolts will welcome defensive end Fred Dean as the 34^th member of the Chargers Hall of Fame. Dean was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August and is the seventh player to be enshrined in the Chargers Hall of Fame and in Canton. He joins Alworth, Ron Mix, Sid Gillman, Charlie Joiner, Dan Fouts and Kellen Winslow in that prestigious group.

Alumni day

Dean was one of several former Chargers who were on hand Thursday to address the Chargers and honor the Alumni Players of the Month for September. In addition to Dean, former Bolts Willie Buchanon, Tim Ware, Speedy Duncan, Pete Shaw, Hank Bauer and Dick Westmoreland visited practice. Darren Sproles (special teams), Philip Rivers (offense) and Quentin Jammer (defense) were recognized as the players of the month for September.

Bright lights

Sunday’s game is the first of three the Chargers are scheduled to play on NBC’s Sunday Night Football. The Bolts have won seven-consecutive primetime home games and always enjoy a chance to play under the lights.

“I think (primetime games) do add to the atmosphere and do add to the excitement,” Turner said. “They’re special games and I think through all the years coaching and watching guys play in them, you can tell the difference.”

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