The once brash San Diego Chargers have suddenly changed their tune and both sides are showing respect for one another as the New England Patriots prepare for Sunday's game in Qualcomm Stadium.
“I think there is a big respect factor,” cornerback Ellis Hobbstold the Boston Globe.
Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymouris also taking the high road after Chargers center Nick Hardwick called him a dirty player following last year's playoff game.
“I have nothing to say to him. I’ll let my play do the talking for me,” Seymour told the Boston Herald.
The *Providence Journal *takes a look at Tedy Bruschireuniting with his former college coach Dick Tomey, who coached Arizona at the time and is now in charge at San Jose State University.
“I attribute a lot of my success to what coach Tomey taught me,” Bruschi told the Journal.
The Worcester Telegram & Gazette takes a look at the balance of New England's offense in the aftermath of Tom Brady's season-ending injury.
“We just try to have a balanced attack and if we can do that it’s a good thing,” quarterback Matt Casseltold the Telegram.
With unique accommodations this week, the Patriots are simply focused on football as they prepare for what is expected to be a tough battle against the rival Chargers.
“I’m sure we’ll be running into a hornet’s nest in terms of energy and excitement on Sunday night,” head coach Bill Belichicktold the Brockton Enterprise.
Quick hits
Tomey is excited to see Bruschi this week as the Patriots practice at San Jose State.
“Tedy is one of my absolute all-time favorite people in the world,” Tomey told the Spartan Daily.
Also out West, the Chargers are focused on evening their record at .500 following last week's loss to Miami, but they realize facing New England won't be easy.
“We know it's going to be a heck of a competitive game,” Tomlinson told the San Diego Tribune.
The Chargers' biggest concern is cutting down their turnovers, which have been a problem this season.
“That certainly can affect the rhythm and the flow,” quarterback Philip Rivers told the Tribune.
