Linebacker Tedy Bruschireunited Thursday with his college Dick Tomey, who allowed the Patriots to use the facilities at San Jose State University this week so he'd get a chance to see his former player.
“We’re both going a thousand miles an hour, and getting a chance to spend time with him is something I was looking forward to,” Tomey told the Boston Globe.
The Patriots are wrapping up their preparation for the Chargers this afternoon with an emphasis on targeting San Diego's well-rounded offense.
“I think they’re balanced when they need to be,” cornerback Ellis Hobbstold the Providence Journal.
One of the keys to the Chargers' offense is quarterback Philip Rivers, who has drawn praise from the Patriots this week after playing hurt in last year's AFC title game.
“I have a lot of respect for that,” defensive lineman Richard Seymourtold the Boston Herald.
The Patriots will counter with their own balanced offense. They've run the ball almost as many times as they've thrown it and one of the integral parts of their protection up front has been tight end Ben Watson.
“With blocking you have to get used to going up against guys who are usually bigger than you,” Watson told the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
With their West Coast trip coming to a close, the Patriots remain all business in preparation for the Chargers.
“We understand what we’re out here for, and that's to play football and to get that aspect taken care of first,” quarterback Matt Casseltold the Attleboro Sun Chronicle.
Quick hits
Out West, the *San Diego Tribune *takes a look at Cassel's rise to the top of the depth chart and his continuous effort to improve on a weekly basis. A California native, Cassel became New England's No. 1 backup despite not playing in college.
“I just kept plugging away,” Cassel told the Tribune.
NBC football analysis John Madden weighs in on the Chargers and says the team has to fight through its early-season struggles with the AFC still up for grabs.
“They have to get upset about the way they're playing and go out and do something about it,” Madden told the Tribune.
The *San Jose Mercury News *also takes a look at Bruschi's relationship with Tomey, who coached Arizona in the 1990s.
“I learned the difference between being good and great from Coach Tomey,” Bruschi told the Mercury News.
