This game will come down to the passing attack of both teams

[lightningbolt]

With the Chargers run defense doing well so far this season, and with the Chargers passing defense being ranked dead last, I don't see any other alternative for the Patriots to win this game other than to trust in Matt Cassell to get it done. I haven't been following his progress so far this year so I don't know how good he is or isn't, and whether or not he will be able to exploit the weaknesses in the Chargers defense. On the other side, the Chargers running game hasn't been doing so great this year, and that's mainly because of LT's toe injury and also our offensive line has been doing a poor job of run blocking. So, that will mean that the Chargers will once again have to rely on Rivers to win a game with his arm. But, with Chris Chambers and Gates both injured, that will be hard to do. So, because of those injuries, it's uncertain which team's passing game will be better. Anyways, those are just my thoughts. I'm interested in finding out what Patriots fans think of Matt Cassell.

 

[Deus Irae]

With the Chargers run defense doing well so far this season, and with the Chargers passing defense being ranked dead last, I don't see any other alternative for the Patriots to win this game other than to trust in Matt Cassell to get it done. I haven't been following his progress so far this year so I don't know how good he is or isn't, and whether or not he will be able to exploit the weaknesses in the Chargers defense. On the other side, the Chargers running game hasn't been doing so great this year, and that's mainly because of LT's toe injury and also our offensive line has been doing a poor job of run blocking. So, that will mean that the Chargers will once again have to rely on Rivers to win a game with his arm. But, with Chris Chambers and Gates both injured, that will be hard to do. So, because of those injuries, it's uncertain which team's passing game will be better. Anyways, those are just my thoughts. I'm interested in finding out what Patriots fans think of Matt Cassell.

Chargers are ranked #20 in opponent's rushing average, according to NFL.com.

 

[lightningbolt]

Chargers are ranked #20 in opponent's rushing average, according to NFL.com.

Trust me, I've been watching every Chargers game so far this season and teams aren't having much success running against us. They are however having a lot of success passing against us. The stats are a little inflated because of teams with horrible passing games who totally committed to the run such as the Raiders and the Dolphins.

 

[cincipatsfan]

Should be an interesting game either way. Cassel has been gradually maturing and hopefully will continue tomorrow. I think his biggest issue right now is pocket presence, which I believe can only come with taking snaps.

 

[spacecrime]

With the Chargers run defense doing well so far this season,

Chargers are ranked #20 in opponent's rushing average, according to NFL.com.

The Chargers suck so bad this year, that being ranked #20 in the league is awesome news for Charger fans.

As far as their pass defense goes, we now know that Rivers was talking to his own team-mates when he said they were the worst corners in the league!

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

With the Chargers run defense doing well so far this season, and with the Chargers passing defense being ranked dead last, I don't see any other alternative for the Patriots to win this game other than to trust in Matt Cassell to get it done. I haven't been following his progress so far this year so I don't know how good he is or isn't, and whether or not he will be able to exploit the weaknesses in the Chargers defense. On the other side, the Chargers running game hasn't been doing so great this year, and that's mainly because of LT's toe injury and also our offensive line has been doing a poor job of run blocking. So, that will mean that the Chargers will once again have to rely on Rivers to win a game with his arm. But, with Chris Chambers and Gates both injured, that will be hard to do. So, because of those injuries, it's uncertain which team's passing game will be better. Anyways, those are just my thoughts. I'm interested in finding out what Patriots fans think of Matt Cassell.

The real question is how much pressure your front seven can generate against a sometimes shaky NE O-line and the young QB behind them.

Cassel has the arm and accuracy to hit any pass. As a young player with very limited time at game speeds in recent years, he doesn't "see" the field at full speed yet. He's been good about protecting the ball, but I believe is second in the league at being sacked because the O-line has been more vulnerable up the middle since the heartbreak in the desert, and young Cassel is still missing opportunities to get a reception as he doesn't always see it in time and gets wrapped up while trying to find a receiver. That said, he's steadily improving - but pressure is going to have more success with him than that other fellow they had to start the season.

I'd love to see Rivers have to carry the load, he's tough and can do a lot of damage, but NE has had some success in keeping him just enough off balance when they (or the game plan) takes away his run support.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

You never know what approach the Pats will take to any game. They could come out and throw 40 passes or they could run 40 times. With Cassel settling in the offense is going to be much more versatile.

 

[BradfordPatsFan]

BB likes to take away one weapon. Will it be the hobbled LT, the aching qb, or the injured Gates?

 

[Water Boy]

I think the Pats D will struggle a little to contain San Diego's offense. I can see Rivers having a good day throwing against the Patriots zone defense assuming his receivers hold on to the ball and Sproles breaking off a few long gainers.

Put your money on the over (44).

 

[jcdavey]

chargers run defense hasn't been doing well, only vs jets and raiders

and usually only in the 2nd half

the one thing about the chargers that seems like clockwork is, they get off to a slow start, they out-adjust their opponent at the half, and they play much improved defense in the 2nd half

here's a breakdown of their games through 5 weeks

1st qtr - opponent has outscored them 22-16
2nd qtr - opponent has outscored them 64 - 42
3rd qtr - sd has outscored opponent 30-7
4th qtr - sd has outscored opponent 60-36*

*8 BS hochuli points


the chargers despite some horrible 1st half defense and offense, have been in all 5 games right down to the wire and would look alot better if it wasn't for the week 2 ref gaff.

basically they're not playing up to their potential, the loss to miami was half expected by me, as we had lost 7 straight to miami going in, and had never beaten pennington to boot, plus we suck on the road alot.

 

[jcdavey]

pats by the way -


1st qtr - opponent has outscored them 21-10
2nd qtr - pats have outscored opponent 26 - 20
3rd qtr - pats have outscored opponent 31-7
4th qtr - opponent has outscored them 31-12


so it appears something's gotta give in the 3rd qtr between SD and NE, as it appears both teams are very good at halftime adjustments.

that 4th qtr for the pats is kinda shocking

 

[JoeSixPat]

The Patriots have the added difficulty of trying to run their plays - both offense and defense - without treading on the Charger logo.

That's going to complicate pass routes especially but we wouldn't want the Charger or their fans to think the Patriots are disrespectful.

 

[ScottieC]

With the Chargers run defense doing well so far this season, and with the Chargers passing defense being ranked dead last, I don't see any other alternative for the Patriots to win this game other than to trust in Matt Cassell to get it done. I haven't been following his progress so far this year so I don't know how good he is or isn't, and whether or not he will be able to exploit the weaknesses in the Chargers defense. On the other side, the Chargers running game hasn't been doing so great this year, and that's mainly because of LT's toe injury and also our offensive line has been doing a poor job of run blocking. So, that will mean that the Chargers will once again have to rely on Rivers to win a game with his arm. But, with Chris Chambers and Gates both injured, that will be hard to do. So, because of those injuries, it's uncertain which team's passing game will be better. Anyways, those are just my thoughts. I'm interested in finding out what Patriots fans think of Matt Cassell.

It's Cassel not Cassell.

I think Bill has had sufficient time to lay out a game plan that can beat the Chargers. Now, executing that plan - That's up to the boys.

The key here is that the Chargers HAVE to win this game - Bill knows that and he's not going to let them off the hook. He knows that a victory today can have HUGE implications on the Play-Off's and the Chargers season.

Look for a big Defensive day today from the Patriots - Rivers will not have a good day.

Of course, I could be wrong.

 

[JSn]

That speed package with a zillion DB's is gonna be a nightmare for Rivers. The ground game is going to have to work today or the Bolts are in poop soup with no spoon.

The Pats will have the added "wrinkle" of a fresh and unknown RB and with the way they owned the time of possession last week, I like the odds of us being able to keep the Chahgahs in in the air while we eat the clock.

 

[BradfordPatsFan]

The Patriots have the added difficulty of trying to run their plays - both offense and defense - without treading on the Charger logo.

That's going to complicate pass routes especially but we wouldn't want the Charger or their fans to think the Patriots are disrespectful.

LMAO. Thank you for that. :singing:

 

[Sivy]

pats by the way -


1st qtr - opponent has outscored them 21-10
2nd qtr - pats have outscored opponent 26 - 20
3rd qtr - pats have outscored opponent 31-7
4th qtr - opponent has outscored them 31-12


so it appears something's gotta give in the 3rd qtr between SD and NE, as it appears both teams are very good at halftime adjustments.

that 4th qtr for the pats is kinda shocking

actally, what happen in past games make no nevermind in these, or future games.

 

[woolster22]

If we do manage to do well in the air I hope we see a few more Faulk screens and draws. I sure hope we see them, the guy just has a knack for finding the sticks. It will be interesting to see if green-ellis gets a few snaps too.

 

[JoeShmoe]

I saw improvement from MC last week and I hope he's been working on seeing the field a little better - teams also know he's prepared to go deep to Moss which does open up the underneath

I think he has another good day .. if he gets an Int or two im not really bothered because hes settling and trying. No doubt he has the arm and the accuracy

Im less worried about Cassel than our secondary ... they're the ones who lost the game against Miami .. right now we can be thrown upon by a decent QB - and Rivers is a decent QB on his day

I expect SD to come out throwing which actually doesnt help us

 

[lightningbolt]

I guess I turned out right. Neither team did much running the ball. In fact, NE didn't even bother trying to do so.

 

[JoePats]

I guess I turned out right. Neither team did much running the ball. In fact, NE didn't even bother trying to do so.

Yep. Good call lightningbolt, and nice game tonight. Good luck the rest of the way.