Chargers end Patriots’ home winning streak 41-17

By John Palmer | Sunday, October 02, 2005 | ( 0 )

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It's been extremely hard for visiting teams to overcome Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots' home winning streak, but today the Patriots just had too much to overcome.

The Patriots defense has taken hit after hit from the injury bug, and San Diego's offense exploited it repeatedly to the tune of a 41 � 17 victory. The victory snapped New England's 21 game home winning streak. Even Charger coach Marty Schottenheimer admitted afterwards that their was no real way the Super Bowl champs could sustain their amazing level of play missing as many key players as they were. The 41 points scored was the most against New England in 7 years.

After battling to a 17-all standoff at the half, it was all downhill for the Pats. LaDainian Tomlinson ran for 134 of San Diego's 183 rushing yards. RB Michael Turner added 44 yards, and also had a 46-yard TD called back. Tight end Antonio Gates had 6 catches for 108 yards, and Drew Brees tossed TD passes to Reche Caldwell and Keenan McCardell. Brees was an efficient 19 of 24 for 248 yards on the day, as the Chargers ran over and through the Patriots' injury-riddled defense for 431 yards of offense.

David Givens and Patrick Pass hauled in 14 passes from Tom Brady. Brady was 19 for 32 for 224 yards with 1 TD and 1 pick. Corey Dillon was held to 63 yards rushing.

San Diego's domination was reflected in the time of possession, which they handily won 36:38 to 23:22. They were also 7 of 12 on third down conversions.

Both teams now stand at 2 �2. The Patriots trail Miami in the AFC East. San Diego is tied for second with Kansas City in the AFC West, behind the Broncos. Next week New England travels to Atlanta to face the Falcons. Michael Vick came out of their game against the Vikings today with a sprained knee, so that may bode well for the beleaguered Pats defense. San Diego hosts Pittsburgh next Monday night.

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