WILL PATS GO BIG?

The Chargers are down to one healthy linebacker after placing Jatavis Brown on injured reserve. Kyle Emmanuel and Hayes Pullard each played one snap versus the Ravens. Los Angeles used seven defensive backs on nearly every snap, and their lack of depth at the linebacker position could force them to utilize the same strategy on Sunday. The simple solution for the Patriots: Line up in ‘21’ personnel with James Develin in the backfield and run the ball right at the Chargers. When the Patriots go ‘21’ personnel (two receivers, a tight end, Develin at fullback, and a halfback) on first-and-10, they run the ball 75.8 percent of the time. They’re somewhat predictable, but nevertheless effective. Those running plays generated an average of 5.1 yards. Conversely, fist-and-10 running plays out of ‘11’ personnel — or three receivers — yielded an average of 4.4 yards. When the Patriots go with ‘11’ personnel on firstand-10, they’re slightly more varied in their playcalling (58 percent pass, 42 percent run). In the playoffs, the Patriots figure to ratchet up the creativity. But if the Chargers simply cannot stop them in big formations early, why get too cute?