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

[TheRainMaker]

I think Pats defensively will mix it up, maybe start with Gilmore on Allen, JC on Williams. If JC struggles, then maybe put Gilmore on Williams and bracket Allen.
I think the Chargers will start vs. Gronk straight up, testing how gimpy he is. If he goes nuts on em them he'll get bracketed.
I agree our rbs can have a big day running and catching. That's the weak spot on LA.

This will be a great opportunity for J.C. If he plays well, look out.

 

[TomPatriot]

"What I got going forward is what I'm going to give [on Sunday]..."

-Rob Gronkowski at today's presser

Doesn't sound too confident about his ability to make a significant contribution...

I think it means Sunday is all that matters.

 

[TomPatriot]

This will be a great opportunity for J.C. If he plays well, look out.

Could be the star of the game.

 

[Uptown]

Yup he’ll fumble the ball away at a critical time and cost us the game...

....bruh....under no circumstances are you to disrespect Da Burkmeister like that again....I mean it...

 

[jimnance]

....bruh....under no circumstances are you to disrespect Da Burkmeister like that again....I mean it...

He's gonna get his chances in this game.

 

[jimnance]

Could be the star of the game.

He's played well but he'll have his hands full with Williams.
He ain't lacking confidence, that's for damn sure. I think he'll have a good game.
The Pats secondary is one thing I'm NOT worried about. LA has good receivers but Gilmore&Co. can handle them.

 

[Uptown]

We’re gonna try to run it down their throat & get after Rivers via an INT rush. We’re undefeated when rushing for at least 100 yards & the Chargers’ OL is at average at best. I dare LA to go with 6-7 DBs. Hopefully we score early & keep them on their heels. Rivers will turn it over eventually.

 

[signbabybrady]

Just realized this year's playoff slogan had a familiar ring.

 

[moejr]

What do people think about our O line keeping Boss away from TFB? We got the woman ref too.

 

[supafly]

What do people think about our O line keeping Boss away from TFB? We got the woman ref too.

I’m thinking that maybe they could just put her in the way and hope for the best.

(dodges tomatoes)

 

[Triumph]

Looking for a big game from Josh Gordon.

His breakout game.

 

[supafly]

Looking for a big game from Josh Gordon.

His breakout game.

His breaking out of rehab game.

 

[Brandon Manning]

You sprinkle a lot of negativity in your posts, wgaf what the killer believes? Are you really a Pat's fan?

Gives people something to discuss. And you really hurt my feelings....

 

[IllegalContact]

Gronk actually blocks though..

they've been sandbagging gronk........he's coming alive for a 10 catch 190 yard and 3 TD day and is going to make Derwin James look like a muppet

 

[Uptown]

they've been sandbagging gronk........he's coming alive for a 10 catch 190 yard and 3 TD day and is going to make Derwin James look like a muppet

I’d actually LOVE to see that.

 

[jimnance]

I’d actually LOVE to see that.

Goes w/o saying we all would.

 

[upstater1]

This is a 30 page thread, so I don't know if this already has been discussed, but, my main concern is:

CONCERN: The Patriots have come out flat after a bye week lately and have taken a half of football to snap out of it and wake up.

HOPE: All the media talk about the Chargers 4-7 shutting down the Ravens' vaunted running attack has typically failed to mention that that running attack is greatly dependent on Lamar Jackson's ability to run the ball. A 4-7 defense that is trying to prevent a QB who drops back and then runs into open space can be more effective than a 4-3-4 defense against the run. However, against a more conventional running game, where the point of attack is through the traffic on the O- and D-lines, that 4-7 defense will not work. Those DBs are going to get crushed if they try that. It worked against a running QB who was not a threat of throwing--but it won't work against a more conventional offense.

 

[Mack Herron]

 

[Hammer of Thor]

Nice Players Tribute article by Jason McCourty. Not entirely relevant to the game other than it's his first playoff game and he's clearly not taking it for granted.
Two McCourtys Are Better Than One | By Jason McCourty

 

[50-yard-line]

I feel I'm in a pretty small minority picking the Patriots to win and play well against this Chargers team. Everywhere I look it seems to be "be aware of (insert Chargers superstar here)." But when talking about the Patriots, all the talk seems negative "team isn't good anymore," "down year for Brady and Gronk," "WRs are ineffective and can't get open" "defense can't stop the run and gets gashed too often" etc etc etc. It's like we were magically handed 11 wins and everyone who played us in Foxborough just didn't try and said "here, you guys have the game." Am I missing something? I know the Chargers are a good team and this will be a tough test, it should be, it's the playoffs! They're certainly capable of coming into Gillette and winning. Every team in the playoffs deserves to be there. But why all the negativity about New England? Are people just sick and tired of TB12 and BB and co. and it's clouding judgment? We have a good football team believe it or not! All I keep hearing about is the Chargers unbelievable, amazing, phenomenal, fantastic road record. Okay great, but weren't we 8-0 at home and didn't we outscore our opponents 263 to 133?! That last statistic is particularly gaudy. We averaged slightly less than 33 points per game at home and we're being treated by many as an afterthought? I just don't get it. This is a good defense, but we played the Bears defense in Chicago (#3 in total defense, higher than the Chargers, and #1 in rushing defense) and hung 38 points on them! Why isn't this being mentioned?? In fact, the Bears are higher than the Chargers in most major defensive statistical categories and we did all that damage without Sony Michel for most of the game. Patriots are like Rodney Dangerfield this year, don't get any respect!!!

Good.

When no one respects you, it gets champions mad.