How well do the Chargers typically do with covering tight ends? I don't recall them being exceptionally good or bad at it, but if that's a weakness the Pat will exploit the hell out of it. The Chargers' CBs match up well against our WRs, though, so I'm definitely interested to see how this will go.
Defensively, I have no idea what we're going to do with Gates. The Pats get exploited by good tight ends, and Gates is more than just a good tight end. Also worried about Vincent Jackson, since Dowling matches up well with him physically (but is a rookie) and McCourty seems to struggle a bit with bigger WRs (who doesn't?)
We have a first-year starter (Donald Butler) at one ILB spot and Takeo Spikes at the other. Butler is unproven covering tight ends. He was a 3rd round pick in '10 but missed the season with a knee injury. He has talent and has looked good so far, but the Vikes didn't spread out our defense so it's impossible to say at this point. Historically I'd say we're above average but not great at handling good receiving tight ends. They don't generally dominate against us but they still make plays here and there.
Jackson may have a big game next week simply because he was so quiet last week, and Coryell offenses like to spread defenses with the deep ball. Rivers showed some uncharacteristic patience against the Vikings who were manning up and playing press on our wideouts, and then coming with heavy blitzes. The throws to the flats were there all game long, and that's what PR went to. That bodes well for our future games against teams like the Raiders, who have always given us problems with exactly that tactic.
If there's a weakness in your secondary I guarantee Rivers will attack it at some point, just like I'm sure Brady will test out our new ILB and make a few thrusts into our deep secondary to see how Bob Sanders has adapted to the 3-4.
I'm not confident our defense will be able to control your offense. I see some possibilities with the matchup of Garay vs. your backup center and Shaun Phillips vs. the rookie in pass protection. If they can collapse the pocket we may be able to give Brady more problems than he had last night and stop a couple more drives. But all-in-all, if we win I think it will be in similar fashion to how we beat the Colts with Manning... understand that he will get his yards, play a stingy bend-but-don't break and take advantage of every opportunity to get turnovers, and score a lot of points. All-in-all though, I think the key for both defenses will be pass pressure. (So watch the two teams combine for 450 rushing yards.)
I don't like this matchup for the Bolts at this time of the season, on the road. I know Belichik will have some **** up his sleeve for us. I just hope Norvell will be creative as well.
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