San Diego Chargers vs. New England Patriots.
Overview
Coming into this week, New England is undefeated at home, on the road and anywhere else they decide to play. The Chargers come to town after a nice showdown against the Colts last Sunday. New England is favored (obviously) by a lot, but don't put down the Chargers just yet. There might be some surprises in store.
Offense
Patriots. There is no contest here. At all. End of discussion. As much as I like the Chargers, with LaDainian Tomlinson and Philip Rivers hurt, the Chargers won't be able to do much. Granted, the two of them will most likely play, but they will not be able to do much against this talented Patriot 'D'.
With LT and Philip 'I'm Better Than Everyone Else' Rivers hurt, the offense will have to turn to backup running back, Michael Turner, to step up and deliver against a potent Patriot defense. As far as San Diego's receivers go, with Antonio Gates continually hobbling around, the team will turn to wide-out Chris Chambers to step up his game and play like a true championship caliber player.On the other side of the ball, we look at the Patriots' offense. The Patriots have Randy Moss going deep and Wes Welker in the slot. I would most definitely think of this as one of the best 1-2 punches in the league. In addition to Moss and Welker, the Patriots have Donte Stallworth, who always has the potential to stretch a long play. With tight end Kyle Brady questionable, that spot goes to Benjamin Watson. I like what I see from Watson, but he has dropped quite a few catches. Overall, by the end of the game, the Chargers will be too tired to keep up with the depth of the Patriot receiving corps, with New England ultimately winning the battle.
Defense
Patriots. The Patriots are ranked in the top ten in each major defensive category. With a linebacking corps consisting of former Charger Junior Seau, Tedy Bruschi, Adalius Thomas and Mike Vrabel, the Chargers are going to be lucky to get fifty yards on the ground. The Pats secondary is pretty good, as well. Shut-down corner Asante Samuel goes against Chris Chambers, while Ellis Hobbs gets whoever else the Chargers decide to play at receiver.
The Charger defensive line is going to have their hands full with the terrific left side of the Patriot 'O' line. They will probably focus on the right side of the line to rattle that side of the ball, avoiding wasted effort on Matt Light.
The Bolt linebacking core is one of the best in the business, with Shawne Merriman leading the way. Laurence Maroney will probably be shut down like he always is, taking this game to an all-out passing raid for both teams. The Charger secondary is pretty good,as well. When Antonio Cromartie matches up with Randy Moss, Cromartie will have his hands full. Too bad the Bolts don't have multiple Cromarties, as that would help shut down the deep receiving corps of the Patriots.
Special Teams
3 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Andrew Schiff about 1 year ago
I think you are overrating NE linebackers. The Charges defense is very good and play with a lot of intensity.
The Giants will have to not only pressure Brett, but sack him and hit him hard.
I agree with your remarks about the Giants' secondary. But remember, Corey Webster isn't covering everyone.
With that said, you are probably correct in your predictiions, though I think San Diego has a better chance than you are giving them.
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Chris about 1 year ago
I'm also picking the Packers by 10. I just don't think the Giants have what it takes to beat the Pack at Lambeau. They are battered and injured and don't have the weapons to defeat the Pack. The Packers have one of the best secondaries in the league and the rest of their defense is solid. Two of their LBs have over 100 tackles and Kampman and KGB have been amazing on the D-Line. The Giants The Packers have only allowed 16 sacks all year so the Giants will have a hard time putting pressure on Favre. Seattle's Kerney is the most feared DE in the NFC and was completely shut out against the Packers. No sacks and no tackles. The Seahawks were #4 in sacks and couldn't any significant pressure on Favre and the Packers.
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Duane Derreck about 1 year ago
I agree, I think Favre will exploit that secondary and with the Pack at home it could be a long day for the Giants New England should have there way at home against the Bolts. Belichik can and will find a way to get it done and with Brady at home this might be a long day for San Diego. I look for San Diego to maybe keep it close at the start but the Pats will run away with it by the 3rd quarter. They are too strong and have so much depth.
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