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

[supafly]

Ever heard of 2 TE sets?

Good catch. Allen’s proven to be quite a dangerous weapon in the passing game, with his 3 catches this year. I bet they’ll lay off Gronk and dedicate their resources to him.

What were Curran and Mayo thinking with their negativity?

 

[Mack Herron]

Gronk will likely be blanketed by pro bowl safety Darwin James, or at the very least bracketed. Listening to the Quick Slants podcast, both Curran and Mayo feel that this a game where Gronk may have lots of trouble getting open. Let’s hope not, because we could really use a big performance from him.

I saw that, but who then how do they cover White/Burkhead?

 

[QB12]

Good catch. Allen’s proven to be quite a dangerous weapon in the passing game, with his 3 catches this year. I bet they’ll lay off Gronk and dedicate their resources to him.

What were Curran and Mayo thinking with their negativity?

You can be snarky and all, but you can't deny Allen was a weapon as a Colt. Underutilized here? Sure. But he can catch.

Playoffs are about finding more ways to win. Don't be surprised if Allen becomes the next read if Gronk draws James.

 

[supafly]

I saw that, but who then how do they cover White/Burkhead?

Personally, I disagree with the idea of using James on Gronk because I think you can cover him pretty well without wasting that kind of player.

The Chargers have bragged about how their DBs are physical enough to handle anyone, so I’m guessing that White will be someone they plan on taking away. They’ve got to know that Brady’s somewhat limited with his receiving options downfield, and after all, they still have Hayward to play with.

 

[Sicilian]

If Brady had gone against the NFL’s #1 defense twice in three weeks and sandwiched those games around a trip @Mile High, I most certainly think that people would be bringing it up.

Like I said, we can only hope that Rivers’ trend continues, but I wouldn’t be holding my breath.

I'm sure it would be brought up, but it would it be accepted as an excuse? Rivers' numbers weren't just below his average, they were WELL below. And I'm not claiming that it means he'll do the same against us, or that for some reason we don't have to worry about him, just that playing the #1 pass defense doesn't automatically make 0 TD's and minimal yards somehow insignificant, or that the Ravens pass defense is somehow in a completely different category than what the Pats have done this year. They're better, but it's not night and day.

 

[QB12]

Some of our fairer weather posters conveniently forget we beat these guys last year. Without Edelman.

 

[supafly]

You can be snarky and all, but you can't deny Allen was a weapon as a Colt. Underutilized here? Sure. But he can catch.

Playoffs are about finding more ways to win. Don't be surprised if Allen becomes the next read if Gronk draws James.

You’re the one who busted out the snark, my dude.
“Ever heard of 2 TE sets?” Like no one has discussed this possibility every single week since Allen was signed.

If they do go to Allen, or Gronk can get going, it will be great, but they sure sat on that one for the past two years in anticipation of this moment. I think that’s why people are leery to consider it much of a possibility. We could definitely use it, though.

 

[Mack Herron]

Personally, I disagree with the idea of using James on Gronk because I think you can cover him pretty well without wasting that kind of player.

The Chargers have bragged about how their DBs are physical enough to handle anyone, so I’m guessing that White will be someone they plan on taking away. They’ve got to know that Brady’s somewhat limited with his receiving options downfield, and after all, they still have Hayward to play with.

I agree on Gronk, but I think Edelman, Hogan, Dorsett, CP draw the CBs in man schemes. If they go light, Brady will run. If James goes with a RB, I still like White. If they go heavy, I think we have an advantage throwing with our backs. I see the match-ups as pretty even in this one.

 

[supafly]

we beat these guys last year. Without Edelman.

Things are obviously looking much different in terms of the 2018 matchup, so that’s what we’re discussing this week. Last year’s team was totally different.

Cooks
Dion Lewis
Amendola
Real Gronk

 

[supafly]

I agree on Gronk, but I think Edelman, Hogan, Dorsett, CP draw the CBs in man schemes. If they go light, Brady will run. If James goes with a RB, I still like White. If they go heavy, I think we have an advantage throwing with our backs. I see the match-ups as pretty even in this one.

Without a dominant rushing performance, the key to our offensive attack is going to be whether or not those guys (CP, Dorsett) can produce on an effective level. Edelman will probably get his usual 70-80 yards, but Gronk may continue to be limited. Let’s hope not.

It would be great to see them run the ball down their throats and throw to the RBs like White and Burkhead. That would go a long way.

 

[PatsDeb]

Anyone else getting really nervous/excited about this game? I have so much work to do and I can't concentrate! I don't know how I am going to make it to Sunday!

 

[Mack Herron]

Without a dominant rushing performance, the key to our offensive attack is going to be whether or not those guys (CP, Dorsett) can produce on an effective level. Edelman will probably get his usual 70-80 yards, but Gronk may continue to be limited. Let’s hope not.

It would be great to see them run the ball down their throats and throw to the RBs like White and Burkhead. That would go a long way.

 

[QB12]

Backs are key:

 

[Brandon Manning]

Why Ray Lewis Believes Patriots Will Fall To Chargers In Playoff Tilt

 

[maineman209]

Sure, he was on my list too. Rivers had 16 snaps with 2 qb hits last game in a DE rotation. If Andersen were to dress, I'd be surprised if he got more than a handful of snaps. So I see Rivers as having more value, but we don't know anything about what Andersen does in practice ( STs?). Chargers LBs are not good so maybe he's a surprise?

It's actually a good question to ponder.

Hollister had some ST value when he was healthy this season, but not much at all on offense as either a blocker or receiver. He was a healthy scratch for wk-15 @PIT, and then hurt his hammy (again) after wk-16 (BUF).

For all we know, Anderson may have been getting some reps with the first team offense since before Christmas. Hard to imagine that he'd be worse at blocking than Hollister, and he does have some significant receiving experience.

With the Pats having only three actual WRs on the roster now, and with Gronk possibly not completely healthy, an extra target who can block may be helpful, at least as a potential outlet target and in-game injury reserve.

OTOH, if Rivers, Clayborn, Kamalu and Davis all sit, that leaves only Flowers, Wise, Simon, HT and KVN as potential edge-rushers. I suppose that Crossen could sit instead of Rivers (or Kamalu). The Pats would still have seven DBs active, although it would be a small hit on ST (two units).

So, IDK. Seems like a few different ways this could go, but I think the Pats are thinner at offensive skill positions than at DB or Edge.

But then, Rivers sacking Rivers would be kinda cool.

 

[maineman209]

I am more concerned with the Chargers running the ball or swing passes to the RBs. That has been the weakness of the Patriots defense this year.

Maybe Roberts can blow up Ekeler or Gordon for a loss on the first one and set the tone for the defense again.

 

[Hammer of Thor]

Why Ray Lewis Believes Patriots Will Fall To Chargers In Playoff Tilt

If Ray Lewis thinks your team will be murdered, that's something to be concerned about.

 

[signbabybrady]

That’s such absolute BS, and such a lame and sh!tty thing to say. I’ve been nothing but respectful to you and your father over the years, and I couldn’t possibly be more engaged in the team everyday.

What a place some of you have turned this into, where we can’t point out the fact that Rivers faced the #1 defense in the league twice in the past three weeks and how that stat probably doesn’t apply to us.

Apologies. Was kidding around a little. To many negative posters running around peeing in everyone's Cheerios my bad if I lumped you in.

 

[maineman209]

Run D will be fine with the right personnel on the field. I'm worried about The 4 man rush getting to Brady and the subpar wide outs we have getting open versus a great secondary. Look for a low scoring game.

The OL is going to need to be at the top of their game against Ingram and Bosa. The RBs, too.

 

[SHOWTIME15]

I saw that, but who then how do they cover White/Burkhead?

I feel like Burkhead’s going to be the x factor in this one...