The Patriots and Chargers will both be looking to extend three-game winning streaks at Gillette Stadium on Sunday as each team comes in playing its best football of the season.
One factor for the Patriots has been the improvement on defense, which is particularly noteworthy for New England considering it has been without two top corners in Stephon Gilmore and Eric Rowe, leaving special teamer Johnson Bademosi and Jonathan Jones to fill the void.
ESPNBoston.com wonders what might happen on defense once everyone is healthy. The Boston Herald also feels Bademosi has been impressive. Speaking of defense, the Boston Globe looks at Kyle Van Noy’s and his continued expanding role with the Patriots. Alan Branch has been making the most of his latest opportunities.
The Boston Herald says the defense has turned the corner taking away the deep ball. On offense the deep stable of running backs is causing plenty of problems for opponents. WEEI.com says Brandin Cooks has quietly done a great job replacing Julian Edelman.
The Patriots-Chargers game Sunday will feature two of the NFL's all-time greatest quarterback-tight end combinations with Tom Brady-Rob Gronkowski and Philip Rivers-Antonio Gates. Another dangerous element the Chargers bring to the table is a solid pass rush.
The Patriots earned some solid grades in their impressive win over the Falcons.
The Worcester Telegram says Cassius Marsh has pleased more than just the crowd. NBC Sports Boston has Malcolm Butler concentrating on the present while putting the past behind him.
NESN.com offers a scouting report on the Chargers.
The story in Los Angeles is all baseball with the Dodgers in the World Series, but the LA Times does devote some time to the Chargers, who they say are red hot but still have plenty of climbing to do after an 0-4 start.
