"The Patriots tight ends took a starring role in the season opener, as Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez each caught touchdown passes. They might need to share the stage on Sunday.

Three of the NFL's finest tight ends will be inside Gillette Stadium, as a finally healthy Antonio Gates of the Chargers joins the Patriots' dynamic duo.

All will be featured by their offenses.

The Patriots did that Monday night, when Gronkowski and Hernandez combined for 189 receiving yards. The Chargers defense will be forced to account for them, while also deciding whether to cover Hernandez like a receiver or a tight end.

"Gronkowski and Hernandez were awfully impressive. What they're doing with that personnel group is awfully impressive," Chargers coach Norv Turner said yesterday. "You have to really be careful because obviously they run a lot of their base offense with (Hernandez) in the game. But then when he starts moving around, he's capable of being an explosive wide receiver. He's a matchup problem for defensive teams.""