Patriots at Chargers

When the New England Patriots visit San Diego Sunday they will be facing one of the great running backs of all time. The Chargers' LaDainian Tomlinson has it all -- speed, "hands" and more moves than a water bed.

On ESPN Coach Mike Ditka said, "If it comes to choosing the genius of Coach Bill Bellichick over the abilities of running back Tomlinson, I choose Tomlinson."

The stat graphic below pictures the most important stat separating winners from losers, Points Per Pass Attempt. The balance between offense and defense accounts for 95% of the game. It is both a measure of passing efficiency and the clock control running game.

The Chargers lead the league earning almost a half-point (0.49) more on offense than they do on D.

By comparison, the Patriots rank 5th near one-quarter point per game (0.27).

In a game-by-game comparison the stat graphic below pictures how the Pats and Chargers did this season:

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Both teams played weak divisional schedules. And Coach Belichick holds his cards close to his vest. But the Pats lost all 5 games where they fell below average (light blue line).

By comparison the Chargers lost one game where they fell below average (New Orleans) and one game where they played at the league average (Chiefs).

Based on the team profile of stats the electronic hardware projects a 5-6 point edge for the Chargers.

Bud Goode

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