Patriots Pregame Thread Patriots Chargers Sunday @ 8pm - pregame thread

[TommyD4207]

Why does Denver have over twice the chance of the Patriots when both teams have the same record? I think the Sportsline Simulations are a bit lacking.

Bye week. HFA.

 

[Tunescribe]

Chargers can absolutely win on Sunday. They have a tough defense. Defense travels. They have been taking away the big play all season. The weather won't be a factor. It's been cold in LA this week. Offense won't need to put up 30 to win. Herbert is due for a playoff win. West to east is not an issue either with it being a night game.

Herberts hand should be healed up. That was the biggest factor in the decision to play Lance. No issues with the hand moving forward.

Another factor is the Chargers don't really have a home field. Opposing teams fans fill that stadium up. They are very proficient in the silient snap count.

Everything is pointing to a close game and a Chargers win. Herbert is due. The league will most likely push the game in that direction if needed.

I think Harbaugh is a good coach, so he and Vrabel pretty much cancel each other out.

To me, the key is L.A.'s OL shortcomings, especially both tackle spots. Do some overload edge blitzes, dial up a few unforeseen stunts, etc. Keep 'em guessing. Keep Herbert contained in the pocket and don't let him run. If we blunt their power run game and get at least occasional pressure on the QB, I think the Pats offense can spell the difference IF it avoids turning the ball over.

 

[TommyD4207]

Chargers can absolutely win on Sunday. They have a tough defense. Defense travels. They have been taking away the big play all season. The weather won't be a factor. It's been cold in LA this week. Offense won't need to put up 30 to win. Herbert is due for a playoff win. West to east is not an issue either with it being a night game.

Herberts hand should be healed up. That was the biggest factor in the decision to play Lance. No issues with the hand moving forward.

Another factor is the Chargers don't really have a home field. Opposing teams fans fill that stadium up. They are very proficient in the silient snap count.

Everything is pointing to a close game and a Chargers win. Herbert is due. The league will most likely push the game in that direction if needed.

Just a step too far in your usual trolling.

It's going to be a high of 65 today in Los Angeles. While cold for them, it will be in the high 20s on Sunday night.

Herbert's hand will still be in a cast.

Have a good weekend watching Philly grind their way into another 9-6 ****fest.
Oh, and the Chargers can absolutely win on Sunday. It's the playoffs, there are no layups. But I really like the Patriots chances, it's as close to full health as they've been in 2 months.

 

[PatsFan2]

I think Harbaugh is a good coach, so he and Vrabel pretty much cancel each other out.

To me, the key is L.A.'s OL shortcomings, especially both tackle spots. Do some overload edge blitzes, dial up a few unforeseen stunts, etc. Keep 'em guessing. Keep Herbert contained in the pocket and don't let him run. If we blunt their power run game and get at least occasional pressure on the QB, I think the Pats offense can spell the difference IF it avoids turning the ball over.

I realized after the Gaff in that Buffalo Game: we have been keeping the pedal to the metal regarding our Opponents.

 

[Real fan 02]

Chargers can absolutely win on Sunday. They have a tough defense. Defense travels. They have been taking away the big play all season. The weather won't be a factor. It's been cold in LA this week. Offense won't need to put up 30 to win. Herbert is due for a playoff win. West to east is not an issue either with it being a night game.

Herberts hand should be healed up. That was the biggest factor in the decision to play Lance. No issues with the hand moving forward.

Another factor is the Chargers don't really have a home field. Opposing teams fans fill that stadium up. They are very proficient in the silient snap count.

Everything is pointing to a close game and a Chargers win. Herbert is due. The league will most likely push the game in that direction if needed.

Thanks for that insight DPF. Much appreciated. Here's what i think.

Vrabel's using every motivational tactic he can.. let's go back to last season 40-7 Drake, rham, gonzo and others were on that team that absolutely embarrassed by Herbert.

That won't happen again. When I saw the chargers play this season thier secondary gets exposed and James to me is the main guy Drake has to worry about on defense. Herbert is a good QB and will make his play.. I can assure you Vrabel's taking away McConkey.

Herbert is probably due for a playoff win but I don't think it's this season.

The chargers are a good team without a doubt and Vrabel's reminded his team of this.. I just believe the hunger, the drive the passion that the patiots are playing with being 4-13 last few seasons is a real thing. I have my patiots winning 21-14

 

[PatsFan2]

Thanks for that insight DPF. Much appreciated. Here's what i think.

Vrabel's using every motivational tactic he can.. let's go back to last season 40-7 Drake, rham, gonzo and others were on that team that absolutely embarrassed by Herbert.

That won't happen again. When I saw the chargers play this season thier secondary gets exposed and James to me is the main guy Drake has to worry about on defense. Herbert is a good QB and will make his play.. I can assure you Vrabel's taking away McConkey.

Herbert is probably due for a playoff win but I don't think it's this season.

The chargers are a good team without a doubt and Vrabel's reminded his team of this.. I just believe the hunger, the drive the passion that the patiots are playing with being 4-13 last few seasons is a real thing. I have my patiots winning 21-14

The Three Games we lost We Beat Ourselves: we can beat anybody anywhere if we play our game. Of course good health and winning the TO battle is a must!

 

[TommyD4207]

The Three Games we lost We Beat Ourselves: we can beat anybody anywhere if we play our game. Of course good health and winning the TO battle is a must!

The Chargers do like to turn the ball over. They have some pretty talented receivers, and Gadsen's had a nice rookie season, but outside of Keenan Allen, they all have terminal butterfingers.

Herbert is a good QB. I'm definitely more of a Herbert supporter than one who just declares 'he sucks' despite all available evidence.
But, much like Josh Allen, he'll throw you a couple. You have to be ready.

 

[PatsFan2]

Jaylinn Hawkins - Baltimore Ravens Safety - ESPN

View the profile of Baltimore Ravens Safety Jaylinn Hawkins on ESPN. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.

www.espn.com

Am I the only one who like that ^ Guy?? I mean other than his Girlfriend. He gets' no play around here; he's better than the guys we shipped out.

 

[TommyD4207]

Jaylinn Hawkins - Baltimore Ravens Safety - ESPN

View the profile of Baltimore Ravens Safety Jaylinn Hawkins on ESPN. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.

www.espn.com

Am I the only one who like that ^ Guy?? I mean other than his Girlfriend. He gets' no play around here; he's better than the guys we shipped out.

He is better than the guys we shipped out - but I'd much rather have him long-term in a Duron Harmon role than a starting role. He has a bad habit of keeping his eyes in the backfield.

 

[PatsFan2]

He is better than the guys we shipped out - but I'd much rather have him long-term in a Duron Harmon role than a starting role. He has a bad habit of keeping his eyes in the backfield.

What's your take on Craig Woodson??

 

[Gumby]

Fair enough

Odds-%s don’t mean much. Any given Sunday & injuries weather ??? can change things

But my gut analysis would modify the AFC teams at least as follows…
(don’t feel comfortable/knowledgeable enough to touch NFCs):

DEN: 13.3. (play one less game, but ripe for a home upset) -3pts
NE: 10. 2HFAs & road warriors if DEN survives +2pts
JAX: 9.7. Sneaky good/improving + 2pts
PIT: 2.1. Too much undeserved rep & too much Tomlin; not enough arm left in their qb. -1.2 pts
LAC: 2.0. Getting healthier, but still unlikely. +0.2 pts

I’d really like to just 0 out CAR, LAC, & PIT and redistribute those %s; but weirder things have happened in the world so some residual % I guess has to be given.

 

[TommyD4207]

What's your take on Craig Woodson??

Love him, he'll solidify the position for a decade, even if he's never a pro bowler (and he certainly could be)

Just gets better and better every week.

 

[Real fan 02]

The Three Games we lost We Beat Ourselves: we can beat anybody anywhere if we play our game. Of course good health and winning the TO battle is a must!

Agreed.. the last time we sniffed a postseason berth was 5 years ago.. that was a fraudulent declining team wich problems.. I believe Vrabel's methods with this generation of players is conducive to winning. We need Spillane back on defense for sure..

 

[Real fan 02]

Love him, he'll solidify the position for a decade, even if he's never a pro bowler (and he certainly could be)

Just gets better and better every week.

Agreed. His partner Hawkins has become a very good safety as well and should be resigned while still drafting a guy..

 

[Real fan 02]

The Chargers do like to turn the ball over. They have some pretty talented receivers, and Gadsen's had a nice rookie season, but outside of Keenan Allen, they all have terminal butterfingers.

Herbert is a good QB. I'm definitely more of a Herbert supporter than one who just declares 'he sucks' despite all available evidence.
But, much like Josh Allen, he'll throw you a couple. You have to be ready.

We have found something with Ponder and Jennings adding to the rush.. if we get Spillane... back.. it makes it even better. The primary guy we need to take away is Hampton if the running game gets going then it's a long day..

 

[Real fan 02]

Mcourty said exactly this.

He speculates the reason being that NE does not have the best pass rush. Herbert has been sacked 54 times.

The pass rush was potent earlier in the season.. once Landry got hurt and Williams went down the rush faded. I can't express enough the importance of having Spillane back..

 

[Triumph]

Odds-%s don’t mean much. Any given Sunday & injuries weather ??? can change things

But my gut analysis would modify the AFC teams at least as follows…
(don’t feel comfortable/knowledgeable enough to touch NFCs):

DEN: 13.3. (play one less game, but ripe for a home upset) -3pts
NE: 10. 2HFAs & road warriors if DEN survives +2pts
JAX: 9.7. Sneaky good/improving + 2pts
PIT: 2.1. Too much undeserved rep & too much Tomlin; not enough arm left in their qb. -1.2 pts
LAC: 2.0. Getting healthier, but still unlikely. +0.2 pts

I’d really like to just 0 out CAR, LAC, & PIT and redistribute those %s; but weirder things have happened in the world so some residual % I guess has to be given.

Agree on Denver.

I believe that coasting into the bye will be hazardous.

 

[Triumph]

The pass rush was potent earlier in the season.. once Landry got hurt and Williams went down the rush faded. I can't express enough the importance of having Spillane back..

Hopefully the Pats best defense is about to show up.

 

[upstater1]

Jaylinn Hawkins - Baltimore Ravens Safety - ESPN

View the profile of Baltimore Ravens Safety Jaylinn Hawkins on ESPN. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.

www.espn.com

Am I the only one who like that ^ Guy?? I mean other than his Girlfriend. He gets' no play around here; he's better than the guys we shipped out.

He plays a completely different position. I'm not a big fan, actually. I think we have been very vulnerable down the middle especially against TEs. We've done great this year in the slot and on the boundaries with Gonzo, Marcus and Davis. The vast majority of the yards given up are because of our safeties. I don't think Hawkins has been a good signing. He has some INTs but they are almost always the result of bad throws.

We need a clear upgrade at FS after this year to allow Woodson to come along. I would favor signing a vet over drafting a safety high, but we definitely need new blood there. Not only a starter to take over from Hawkins, but 2 backups better than Pettus.

I've been saying this BTW for more than a month now.

Woodson still has time to develop. He's a rookie. But we've had a lot of big mistakes at safety this year, and with Hawkins especially last year (but I'd blame that on coaching).

 

[mgteich]

Why does Denver have over twice the chance of the Patriots when both teams have the same record? I think the Sportsline Simulations are a bit lacking.

DEN is 100% to survive Week 19. We probably are 75%.

And yes, they probably think that DEN is a stronger team. Check power rankings; some agree and some don't.