Facts:
A “slow-starting team” like the Chargers is another way of saying “badly-coached”. Would not such a team suffer more without all the offseason training that usually goes on?

The biggest weakness of this team last year was special-teams. The special-teams coach was fired like the sacrificial lamb he was made out to be; and San Diego still gave up a special-team TD to the Vikings.

Fundamentals. San Diego thus far this season is not taking care of the football. Also, the Patriots are better prepared for these mammoth-receivers now that Bodden is back, Dowling is on the roster, and Molden is ready if needed.

In what limited playing time their top unit has had so far in 2011 the outcome has not be impressive. See; Chargers/Cardinals in the preseason, and Chargers nearly giving up their home-opener to the Vikings of all teams.

Gates has yet to prove that he’s fully come back from that foot problem; he seems less than himself. The WR’s have yet to do particularly well so far even though they’re such huge targets.

Their run-game resembles the Dolphins, except I think the Dolphins were stronger on the ends of their line. The Chargers are going to need to try and step up their run-blocking.

I’m looking at those Patriot edge-rushers, starting with Andre Carter, to have a great game. Haynesworth and Wilfork will garner a lot of attention giving how intimidating they are, but I’d bet a million Carter gets more sacks than either one of them. Mark Anderson, Kyle Arrington, and hopefully Jerod Mayo from the WILL-LB position should also contribute to the pass-rush. I’d really like to see Shaun Ellis step up as he seemed almost as unsteller as Guyton last week(who I expect to be edged out with the hopeful return of Brandon Spikes, who’s cousin is one Takeo Spikes).

Should be fun to watch.