Re: If the chargers big 3 played ..
I expect only Tomlinson will be close to his usual self today. He'll probably play and play well. Rivers and Gates are injured. Gates will play, but with that toe limiting him, he's just not going to be the same Gates that causes teams problems. He'll be a much more ordinary guy to cover. I think he'll play, but not to cause the typical Gates matchup problems. And from what I hear on Rivers, the team is for the most part leaving it up to him as to how he feels in warmups. The man has 2 banged up knees, and specifically the right knee, the plant knee, is gonna cause him some problems if he plays. I dont realistically expect he'll be much of a factor today. I honestly hope he doesnt take the field and risk further injuring either leg. But if he does, I'd think it would only help our D in handling an injured QB. He wont have any mobility whatsoever. And they can ill afford to get behind in this game. Switching Qs down a couple of scores wouldnt be a good thing for them.
Imo, the biggest injury outside of Rivers is Jamal Williams ankle injury. I think the key to their pressure will be from right over center with the nose tackle, and if Williams cant go, or plays at less than his usual self, they wont get that pressure. Brady will be able to step up in the pocket away from that outside pressure that Merriman and Phillips will be bringing, and make his plays. And I dont think Williams has practiced all week. Huge factor there. In the Baltimore game, that nose Ngata was a MAJOR factor. Anytime you have a huge presence over the ball and demand a double team from a C and a G, it can cause a breakdown in protection. Without Williams in there, I just dont see that happening.
But no excuses from either side today. We've suffered losses as well starting with Marquise Hill, and then of course Colvin and Sammy Morris, and Watson for a little while. And all of the injuries last year factored in as well, but that's just football. Im thankful that most of these guys have made it to this point pretty healthy.