Patriots Pregame Thread AFC Divisional: We're on to the Chargers (Beat LA!)

[Nunchucks]

This is the worst match up for this round. I feel good about the Patriots chances, but I'd not be surprised if they lose. No shame in this Patriots team losing to this Chargers team.

Relaxed going into the game and hoping for some competitive football.

 

[SHOWTIME15]

I can’t see the Chargers winning three road games at Baltimore, NE, and KC just to reach the Super Bowl...

 

[Kid~Brady]

I think the Chargers running game could be a major problem for us, lets face it the Ravens front seven is better than ours.

True but for some reason at home, it seems their inability to stop to run magically evaporates.

 

[obgod3]

Their running back is dinged up. Coming into freezing Foxboro won't help with that.

They have three pretty good running backs.

 

[Tapats]

Key match up here is Brown vs. Bosa. Brown is a mountain of a man but doesn't have the quickest feet in the world. I would suspect a lot of help from Allen and Gronk to chip Bosa in order to give Brady more time. I also hope that this is the week that we see more Dorsett on the field. He has a skill set that the other receivers just don't have and has the speed to get open on the deeper and more intermediate routes as well as underneath. Even if he's just used as a decoy of sorts, he should help loosen things up underneath for Edelman, Hogan, and White.

 

[patsfan13]

Chargers have veryu good team sped on D, this will be negated in the snow. Intellicast is predicting 5-8 in for Foxboro starting a 7am.

Pats win.

 

[signbabybrady]

Key match up here is Brown vs. Bosa. Brown is a mountain of a man but doesn't have the quickest feet in the world. I would suspect a lot of help from Allen and Gronk to chip Bosa in order to give Brady more time. I also hope that this is the week that we see more Dorsett on the field. He has a skill set that the other receivers just don't have and has the speed to get open on the deeper and more intermediate routes as well as underneath. Even if he's just used as a decoy of sorts, he should help loosen things up underneath for Edelman, Hogan, and White.

Who are you picking to win?

 

[Brandon Manning]

Hi everyone I am new here. Hopefully everyone had a good holiday season. I had SB aspirations for this group before the season started. However, it's clear they are very flawed. Thus, just getting a bye is a miracle in itself.

Chargers present lots of issues. Yet, I feel as though we will not get blown out. I think it'll be a 7 point game either way.

 

[Sciz]

The goal on offense has to be getting more Chargers linebackers on the field. Michel, Develin, and company will have to take advantage if there are too many defensive backs, which was taken to an extreme yesterday but has been a theme for the Chargers for a few weeks now.

 

[SHOWTIME15]

True but for some reason at home, it seems their inability to stop to run magically evaporates.

Pats struggle agains the run when Bill decides to nickel or dime.

 

[Kontradiction]

Who are you picking to win?

I’ve got the Pats. Pats, Colts, Saints, and Cowboys. Would have went 4-0 this past weekend had I not changed my Seattle/Dallas pick at the last minute on Saturday and flipped to Seattle.

 

[ashley]

Welcome Brandon!!! Agree with you, I think most fans realize this is going to be a tough game. Hopefully, in the end, we'll find a way to pull it out!!!

Hi everyone I am new here. Hopefully everyone had a good holiday season. I had SB aspirations for this group before the season started. However, it's clear they are very flawed. Thus, just getting a bye is a miracle in itself.

Chargers present lots of issues. Yet, I feel as though we will not get blown out. I think it'll be a 7 point game either way.

 

[Brandon Manning]

It will be a tough game Ashley. But I have confidence in BB and T.B. This Chargers team held on for dear life yesterday. Mainly because of an inexperienced QB. That won't be the case next week.

 

[Kontradiction]

The goal on offense has to be getting more Chargers linebackers on the field. Michel, Develin, and company will have to take advantage if there are too many defensive backs, which was taken to an extreme yesterday but has been a theme for the Chargers for a few weeks now.

6 DBs has been a theme for the Chargers all season. They utilize dime more than any defense in the NFL and were pretty good at containing the run out of it. Unfortunately, it sounds like Mebane will probably go so running the football may not be much of an option... even with 6 DBs on the field. Not that I expect as much anyway. This will be Brady's game to win or lose on the offensive side of the ball.

 

[Nunchucks]

The goal on offense has to be getting more Chargers linebackers on the field. Michel, Develin, and company will have to take advantage if there are too many defensive backs, which was taken to an extreme yesterday but has been a theme for the Chargers for a few weeks now.

Patriots drafted Michel because he had shown the ability to catch the ball. This ability has not shown up in games.....It would be great to unleash a Michel out of the backfield in this game.

 

[SBLIII]

Hi everyone I am new here. Hopefully everyone had a good holiday season. I had SB aspirations for this group before the season started. However, it's clear they are very flawed. Thus, just getting a bye is a miracle in itself.

Chargers present lots of issues. Yet, I feel as though we will not get blown out. I think it'll be a 7 point game either way.

on the other hand you could argue they were the Miami miracle not to happen away from HFA.

 

[SHOWTIME15]

Hi everyone I am new here. Hopefully everyone had a good holiday season. I had SB aspirations for this group before the season started. However, it's clear they are very flawed. Thus, just getting a bye is a miracle in itself.

Chargers present lots of issues. Yet, I feel as though we will not get blown out. I think it'll be a 7 point game either way.

Welcome, and I just gave you your first like...

 

[Kontradiction]

This has probably already been said, but this would be a great game for the Patriots to begin using Michel in more of a pass-catching role to catch LA off guard. Bradley's defenses have a penchant for struggling against RBs in the passing game. I expect a big game from White, but the Patriots have telegraphed run or pass this season with their personnel in the backfield since they don't seem to trust Michel (to this point) in pass pro. I'd love to see some 21 personnel early on with Michel and White on the field at the same time to try to get Michel involved early.

 

[Brandon Manning]

on the other hand you could argue they were the Miami miracle not to happen away from HFA.

Agreed. I just mean they don't seem to be as dominant as years past. For example, I thought they were head and shoulders better than the rest of the AFC in 2017. in 2018, I think they are on the same level as the others.

 

[Kontradiction]

Agreed. I just mean they don't seem to be as dominant as years past. For example, I thought they were head and shoulders better than the rest of the AFC in 2017. in 2018, I think they are on the same level as the others.

They're not and they haven't been, to date. The offseason will definitely be an interesting one.