One key stat from AFCCG

[ctpatsfan77]

From USA Today:

Did you notice?

Nate Kaeding converted on all four of his field goal attempts for the Chargers, but his kickoffs -- and San Diego's coverage teams -- left something to be desired. Just one of Kaeding's five kickoffs traveled inside the 10-yard line, which is why New England started drives at the 35, 40, 39 and 33 after returning kickoffs. For comparsion, consider that Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski's four kickoffs all sailed inside the 10 -- with an average landing spot at the 3-yard line. That, more than anything, is where the Patriots had their home-field advantage against the warm-weather Bolts.

The Giants better hope they can get their kicks into the EZ. . . .

 

[VrabelMayeWin]

Yeah, his kickoffs were horrible even with the wind. Not sure if his leg was still bothering him or if he wasn't used to kicking a ball that hard. Against the wind I worried about Gotti's kicks but they were all good.

 

[Oswlek]

I noticed:

* Kaeding may have made several FGs, but NE dominated the game on special teams. Aside from Washington's tremendous play that set up Asante's int, Kaeding's kicks were extremely short and NE was still able to get consistent return yardage to boot. NE's kick offs AND their KO coverage were both better than SD's by a good margin and the punt games played to about a draw.

 

[DarrylS]

The third phase of the game, often overlooked but quite important... Gostowski has filled the bill well, despite the initial skepticism.