WHEN THE PATRIOTS HAVE THE BALL

Like New England, San Diego’s strength defensively is in its front seven, so it may be a tough day for Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris and Heath Evans on the ground. Last year, they allowed just over 100 yards rushing per game. … However, the secondary can be taken advantage of; though Tom Brady didn’t have his best day in San Diego during the teams’ January playoff meeting, he still threw for 280 yards and Jabar Gaffney had 10 catches for 103 yards. … And this year, Brady has some new targets. Randy Moss will draw major attention, especially given his performance against the Jets, but he caught a touchdown in triple coverage in New York. … If the Pats have trouble running the ball, they could revert to dinking-in-dunking, which would lead for a big day for Wes Welker and Kevin Faulk. … If the offensive line can hold up like it did against the Jets, Brady could pick the Chargers apart. That’s no small task, however.

Key matchup: New England LT Matt Light vs. San Diego DE Igor Olshansky. The Pats’ O-line was outstanding against the Jets, and keeping Tom Brady upright is a priority against the Chargers’ fearsome front seven.

Advantage: Push

WHEN THE CHARGERS HAVE THE BALL

San Diego’s offense basically runs through three players, but what a trio it is: running back LaDainian Tomlinson, quarterback Philip Rivers and tight end Antonio Gates were all Pro Bowlers last year. … Tomlinson has averaged 158 yards rushing per game in three career games against the Patriots. … Gates had six catches for 61 yards in the playoff meeting in January, and Adalius Thomas held Gates to four receptions for 41 yards when the linebacker was with Baltimore last season. … If Tomlinson can be kept in check, San Diego’s receiver corps is thin and the New England secondary should not have many problems holding its numbers down.

Key matchup: New England ILBs Tedy Bruschi and Thomas vs. Tomlinson. The Pats’ run-stoppers will be called upon to stop the most dangerous running back in the league.

Advantage: San Diego

SPECIAL TEAMS

The big question this week: Will the Chargers even kick Ellis Hobbs’ way? After his record-setting kickoff return last week, Hobbs may not get many more chances to takeoff this season. … New England kicker Stephen Gostkowski has been uneven for the last few weeks, though his miss against the Jets was because of Matt Cassel’s fumbled snap. … It remains to be seen whether Cassel will hold again today; punter Chris Hanson handled the holding duties in the fourth quarter in New York. … San Diego kicker Nate Kaeding missed one home field goal all year: in the playoff loss to New England. The Chargers lost by three points.

Advantage: New England

COACHING

Despite Bill Belichick’s videotaping incident, he remains one of the best coaches in the league, able to keep his team’s focus on the task at hand. … His players stood behind their coach this week, and know what a difficult opponent San Diego is. … Norv Turner is coaching a highly talented team, but his coaching record — he’s 59-82-1 as a head coach with Washington and Oakland — does not speak of greatness.

Advantage: New England

INTANGIBLES

This is New England’s home opener, and the Pats are 5-0 in home openers since Gillette Stadium opened . . .The Patriots will likely feel they have something to prove with NFL fans wondering if they’ve come by any of their success honestly . . .San Diego holds a grudge from the playoff loss and the way New England celebrated on their field . . .Game time forecast calls for a clear but cool night.