Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Patriots receiver Donte Stallworth jokes with the press who swarmed around him in the locker room today.

Hey all --

Bill Belichick has wrapped up his press conference for the morning, and there was of course a great deal of talk about the San Diego Chargers.

When he was asked how the Chargers are different since New England's 38-14 victory over them on Sept. 16, Belichick said little has changed schematically, but that San Diego is simply executing better. He reiterated, however, that that game will have little bearing on Sunday's.

He praised San Diego's secondary, which includes Pro Bowler Antonio Cromartie, Quentin Jammer, Drayton Florence, Eric Weddle and Marlon McCree.

"They had 30 interceptions, 18 fumbles...they're a great turnover team. They're second only to the Ravens (in number of turnovers forced) over the last (few years). Cromartie has done a lot of that, and he gets big yardage when he gets his hand on the ball," Belichick said.

Belichick also spoke briefly about running back Laurence Maroney, who has seemingly been an improved player over the last month. But Belichick said the team has been happy with the running back's performance all season, and that they measure yards per opportunity, based on blocking and what kind of yards are there for Maroney to gain rather than raw yards per carry.

There is no on-field work for New England today, just meetings and the usual weight work and physical rehab/upkeep.

The locker room will open shortly, and Wes Welker, Kevin Faulk and Richard Seymour will also speak from the podium here in the media workroom.

shalise