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

[Ring 6]

I disagree on the 49ers and Seattle. I know what happened on Saturday. I just think Darnold is too much of a turnover machine and that will likely be the reason they don't get there. Also, think SF is better than what they showed on Saturday. I agree with the rest. With that said I think it's as wide open as its ever been.

I think the 49ers are very overrated. Their defense is bad, with the injuries they have. They can rush the passer at all and have WRs running open all over the field.
They found some teams that couldn’t exploit it and covered it with offense but they aren’t winning 3 playoff games in a row on the road.
My brother is die hard 49er fan, one who normally says they have the best player at almost every position and he thinks they are a 7 win team that got lucky.
The announcer last night made a great comment. He says Seattle was going to stick with the run because they felt other teams fell in love with how easy the can attack sf with the pass and abandoned the run making it easier for them.



Darnold is Darnold but they only have to win 2 home games. I can’t see anyone but the Rams or Eagles taking them out (and that assumes the eagles stop forgetting how to win) Rams almost have a bye playing Carolina, but they will need 3 road wins. I don’t believe the bears are for real.

 

[Ring 6]

Their pass rush is outstanding, it won't be a walkover.

Our pass protection has been fantastic the 2nd half of the season and stellar with Campbell playing

 

[patfanken]

The Chargers had "mailed it in" because they were in the play-offs and didn't care about seeding. They were also nursing a series of pretty substantial injuries.

No. I won't expect more of the same and it's not supposed to be "Bitter cold". It's supposed to in the 30s with a slight wind. That's a far cry from the mid 20's, dampness in the air, and 20-30mph winds with a heavy windchill.


Hebert, McConkey, Johnston, Allen, Gadsen.

Guys to keep an eye on because they didn't play in week 18:
Omarion Hampton - RB
Elijah Molden - CB
Jamaree Salyer - OL
Nikko Reed - DB

The Chargers offense has 3 TEs can could cause the Pats issues in Dissly, Gadsen and Conklin.

On the Chargers defense, Tuipoulotu and Mack are the two guys to account for. I expect Henry and Steveson to do a lot of chipping in this game to help out the O-line.

I'm curious if anyone has access to how often the Chargers blitz, how often they run stunts/twists, and how they are against the run.

The Chargers secondary is solid, but the Pats should be able to use Chism/Diggs/Boutte with Henry/Hooper to pick it apart.

I saw a figure of 80% zone, but I don't remember if they gave a source

BTW- The team with the easiest path to the next round who doesn't have a bye, are clearly the Texans. Although that was a VERY entertaining 4th quarter, that was some REALLY, really bad football being played by those 2 sorry teams. Either would be fodder for any other playoff team in the AFC. We got the 2nd best draw, though Herbert, his TEs and Hampton worry me, and Harbaugh is a solid HC, even though he should be hated just because of who his brother is (and the stuff he did a MU)

 

[DaBruinz]

I saw a figure of 80% zone, but I don't remember if they gave a source

Yeah.. I saw someone mention that earlier. If that is the case, Diggs, Henry and Chism will have a field day. That will also open up plenty for Williams over the top provided that the Line can buy Maye the time he needs. I don't think they've had a real test since the Browns game in thar respect. But, having played Garrett and the Browns, I think that it will help Will Campbell.

Them playing zone so much should also help the Pats run game since it will have guys spread out more and allow for the Pats blockers to open up holes more easily.

 

[Lansdowne]

The Chargers had "mailed it in" because they were in the play-offs and didn't care about seeding. They were also nursing a series of pretty substantial injuries.

No. I won't expect more of the same and it's not supposed to be "Bitter cold". It's supposed to in the 30s with a slight wind. That's a far cry from the mid 20's, dampness in the air, and 20-30mph winds with a heavy windchill.


Hebert, McConkey, Johnston, Allen, Gadsen.

Guys to keep an eye on because they didn't play in week 18:
Omarion Hampton - RB
Elijah Molden - CB
Jamaree Salyer - OL
Nikko Reed - DB

The Chargers offense has 3 TEs can could cause the Pats issues in Dissly, Gadsen and Conklin.

On the Chargers defense, Tuipoulotu and Mack are the two guys to account for. I expect Henry and Steveson to do a lot of chipping in this game to help out the O-line.

I'm curious if anyone has access to how often the Chargers blitz, how often they run stunts/twists, and how they are against the run.

The Chargers secondary is solid, but the Pats should be able to use Chism/Diggs/Boutte with Henry/Hooper to pick it apart.

Herbert’s banged up, is without both his stud offensive tackles, and the Chargers will be playing this one in a colder climate than they’re accustomed to. I’m not too concerned. Out of the possible first round matchups this is the most ideal wildcard opponent the Pats could’ve been matched up with.

 

[slash83]

Prime time Diggs coming up.

 

[TB12TheGoat]

out of HOU, BUF, LAC, you couldn’t ask for anything more than getting LAC. have to take care of business

 

[Uptown]

According to PFF (I know…I know…)
Thru last week:
Anderson/Hunter/Rankins: 212 pressures
TT/Mack/Oweh: 152 pressures

Houston’s pass rush is in another tier. Their entire defense is better than the chargers. It’s not even a conversation..

 

[Uptown]

 

[manxman2601]

What do you mean stay up? Go to bed at 7 and wake up at 4 like a 35 year old married man with kids

It starts at 1am and finishes at 4. I find I just can't do that. I stay up all day, watch the game, and if it has been a good one I stay up beyond the end of the game to absorb the post game stuff. I fear if we win the SB I won't be sleeping at all.

 

[Uptown]

They don’t respect us….bulletin board material…

 

[Uptown]

Chargers suffer a brutally unlucky injury in pointless Week 18 game

The Chargers' defense just got worse from a Week 18 game that has no stakes whatsoever.

boltbeat.com

 

[stephens44]

In the absence of wind and snow, I don't see the weather being a factor. Right around freezing with heated benches, heaters blowing war air, and cold weather gear I just don't see any real advantage there for us. I wish there was, but these guys proved they can play in bitter cold in KC and Denver year in year out. Harbaugh was a Michigan QB and a Bears QB under Ditka, so he know about the cold too.
We're going to have to run the ball effectively, win on 3rd down consistently, and get turnovers to win this.

 

[Nunchucks]

Chargers defense looked pretty tough yesterday.

 

[Betterthanmost]

Chargers play zone ~80%. They’re toast..

I thought Maye was better against Man vice zone? The Bills are mostly flooding the zones, rushing 3 and giving him some challenges. Hope they are putting in some counters for that.

 

[slash83]

Chargers defense looked pretty tough yesterday.

Denver’s offense is mediocre.

 

[Real fan 02]

Just heard the Chargers wild card game will be Sunday at 8pm.

Thought that’s enough to start 5he pregame discussion thread.

What do we think of that?

Would have preferred a 1pm or 4pm window slot time frame.. but can't have it all..

Things I've observed about the team that are huge positives entering the postseason.

1. Rham has been sensational.. the OL has been better run blocking as of late and creating lanes for the backs..

2. Ponder and Jennings have been very good getting pressure and holding the edge.

3. We need Spillane back at LB.. he sets up the calls and is the general in the defense.

4. Hawkins has had a nice season and has become a play maker in secondary at Safety.

5. Gonzo has been super physical and it's helping his overall game.

As far as this game goes. Marcus should be on McConkey, Williams, Durden Tonga up front should be able to take care of Hampton.. I say blitz Herbert all day and keep Hawkins back deep. Herbert is playing with essentially one hand. Lastly guys from last years team like Drake, Gonzo, Jennings, Hawkins, Marcus, ect.. should ask Vrabel to keep the game film on repeat in the meeting room of that ass whooping LAC put on us.. let's get it done!!!!

 

[mike_usagisan]

I'm a bit concerned. Their pass rush is better than the Texans.

I think Maye will get his though.

I'm more concerned about our pass rush not getting any pressure on Herbert.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

It starts at 1am and finishes at 4. I find I just can't do that. I stay up all day, watch the game, and if it has been a good one I stay up beyond the end of the game to absorb the post game stuff. I fear if we win the SB I won't be sleeping at all.

I would record the game and get a good night's sleep. Better for your health.

 

[Real fan 02]

Pleasant for a night game.

Hopefully it's not pleasant for LAC..