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A cross-country rivalry heats up again this weekend when the San Diego Chargers head to New England for a rematch against the team that knocked it out of the 2006 NFL Playoffs. The Bolts and Patriots will battle on Sunday, Sept. 16 before a national television audience on NBC’s Sunday Night Football. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:15 pm PDT.

 

Though separated by more than 2,500 miles, the Chargers-Patriots series has become one of the league’s most intense over the last few years. The history of the rivalry dates back to 1963 when the Chargers won their first-ever championship, defeating the Boston Patriots, 51-10, in the ’63 AFL Championship Game. Since 2001, the Chargers and Patriots have met four times, including last season’s playoff game. Here’s a look back.

 

• In 2001, Tom Brady, making just his third career start, rallied the Pats from a 26-16 fourth quarter deficit to win the game 29-26 in overtime at the old Foxboro Stadium.

• In 2002, the Chargers returned the favor as LaDainian Tomlinson recorded the first 200-yard game of his career with 217 yards and two touchdowns as the Bolts shocked the defending Super Bowl Champion Patriots, 21-14, at Qualcomm Stadium.

• In 2004 the Chargers did it again, knocking off the two-time defending Super Bowl Champions at Gillette Stadium by a score of 41-17 to end the Patriots’ NFL-record 21-game home winning streak. Tomlinson rushed for 134 yards and two touchdowns in the win.

• In 2006, the Chargers and Patriots meet in an AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Qualcomm Stadium. The Bolts season comes to a heartbreaking end as the Pats overcome a 21-13 fourth quarter deficit and rally for a 24-21 victory.