spacecrime

I know in a few days we'll be inundated with "key matchups" for next weekend, but since most of the posters here are smarter than most of the journalists I read, I'm wondering what some of our resident analysts think of personnel matchups.

Things like, is there anything to be learned from the way the Bears stifled Tomlinson? Should Rivers be treated like Kordel? Take away the run and make him try to beat us with his arm?

What happened to Chargers ferocious front-seven D? The Bears shot themselves in the foot, but even Grossman had drives against them?

And, biggest question of all? Which WR will be featured for the Pats? Obviously, any team that takes the field against us from now on will devote at least two defenders to Moss. Will he still get open? Or is the plan to use Moss (mostly) as a decoy next Sunday and let Welker or Stallworth shine.

The Jets were not ready for Moss, that seems apparent. Stallworth had a small role, but his one reception was prettty damn good. Will he be the secret weapon next year?

I like our chances next week. A lot. But what are some of the things we need to be aware of?

Slagathor

I think 2 things and 2 things only.

1) Contain LT like the Bears did.

2) Keep the pressure off Brady to a manageable level.

The reason the Bears lost today is simple. They have an awful QB and they made too many dumb mistakes.

Philip Rivers is an overemotional mental midget. It is our game to lose.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

MrBigglesWorth

The Jets just don't have the personnel just yet. They had a rookie out their at cb. They don't have a legit pass rusher.

Their O-line still needs some additions and Pennington's arm is obviously not very strong.

I think next week Faulk and Welker will be featured as quick release valves for the pass rush depending on how the O-line plays. I do expect the ball to be spread around still with Moss getting his fair share. The chargers depth at 2ndary will be exposed. I do think the Pats will be able to contain LT. I don't think he'll be shut down like today but he won't run wild.

__________________
"There are two categories of superbowl participants that nobody remembers:

The team that lost the game and the team that only won one." Dwight White- Steelers

carolinatony

We beat them last year without Moss.
I feel if we play our game we will win!

MrBigglesWorth

and last year the pats struggled to get any offense going, so next week will be a good indicator of where the offense is.

__________________
"There are two categories of superbowl participants that nobody remembers:

The team that lost the game and the team that only won one." Dwight White- Steelers

shmessy

Mr. Gates? Meet Mr. Thomas.

__________________
"They (Patriots) may be the greatest team ever" - Chris Mortenson, January 18, 2005 on espn.com

bishbash

...and Welker, and Stallworth, and Thomas.

MrBigglesWorth

exactly...... hopefully they go man and not zone with gates. a main reason they picked him up. can't wait already

__________________
"There are two categories of superbowl participants that nobody remembers:

The team that lost the game and the team that only won one." Dwight White- Steelers

Rob0729

I think we spread the ball around a lot more next week. The Chargers have too many defensive weapons to only make them only primarily concerned about Moss and Welker. I think the Pats will have more three and four WR sets so the Chargers can't just rush Brady on every passing down. They are far better than the Jets on defense and rush the passer more than any team in the league.

ATippett56

The Patriots offense had success against the Chargers defense when they scrapped the two tight end alignment last season and went with the three wide receiver set. With Moss, Stallworth, and Welker at the wide receiver position, that will put a lot of pressure on the Chargers secondary, which is their defensive weakness.

As for the Patriots defense, I hope Asante Samuel scrapped the rust off his game against the Jets.

I expect a relatively high scoring game. I would not be surprised if the Patriots threw the ball on the first twenty offensive plays. Refer to the start of the 2002 NFL Season for a similar game plan against the ****y Pittsburgh Steelers.