According to Jan. 6, 1964, editions of the Globe the day after the game, Gillman and the Chargers devised a scheme designed to pull star Patriots linebacker Nick Buoniconti away from the middle of the field, which they believed would open up running lanes all the way to Chula Vista.

Downfield, the Pats will face tough matchups across the board, none tougher than Derwin James. The All-Pro safety plays all over Los Angeles’ zone-heavy defense, disguising blitzes and coverages. Maye will need to steer clear of James, while looking for his favorite targets in Hunter Henry, DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte.

With only two games left on their schedule, the New England Patriots are in the home stretch of the 2024 season. The first of those contests will see the 3-12 team play hosts to a 9-6 Los Angeles Chargers squad on the verge of qualifying for the playoffs.

The New England Patriots have lost their last five games, falling to the Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Rams to drop their record to 3-12 through the first 16 weeks of the season.