Pats at Chargers: pre-game opinions

[patsfaninpittsburgh]

I was thinkin Christopher Walken

 

[jmt57]

The NFL Network takes a look at the Pats and Chargers


NFL Videos: Playbook: Patriots vs. Chargers
Sterling Sharpe lauds the Pats for their ability to quickly adapt, using Branch's quick productivity as an example. Brian Billick looks at deficiencies in the San Diego defense, and Brian Baldinger breaks down problems with the Chargers special teams protection.

NFL Videos: On the Beat: Patriots Chargers Breakdown
The effect on Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeil returning for the Chargers; Kevin Acee thinks that injuries to San Diego receivers will mean that the Chargers will plan on running the ball more Sunday. Near the end Acee says that still to this day nobody on the Chargers thinks the Pats won the 'stomp on the logo' playoff game.

NFL Videos: Scout's take: Patriots' new groove
Bucky Brooks on how the Pats offense moved on without Randy Moss, focusing on Aaron Hernandez, Danny Woodhead, Deion Branch and BJGE.

NFL Videos: Charger troubles
Rod Woodson takes a look at San Diego's problems, focusing in on GM AJ Smith.

 

[Tunescribe]

I'm a Patriots season ticket holder and a good buddy of mine is a Chargers season ticket holder. We had a long chat today on what to expect tomorrow. He thinks the Chargers are going to try to feature the run, and that Gates will play. He believes the Chargers' special teams gaffes are not coincidental and that they are, indeed, as bad as they've shown.

We both concluded that defensively, the Pats and Chargers are a wash, and that the offenses both should put up points. Keys: special teams play (especially if San Diego continues to screw up) and the one BIG intangible -- whether the Chargers need/want the win more to avoid a 2-5 hole from which they might not recover. On balance, we expect a close contest with both teams scoring in the 20s, no clear favorite. Should be a good game.

 

[jmt57]

I'm a Patriots season ticket holder and a good buddy of mine is a Chargers season ticket holder. We had a long chat today on what to expect tomorrow. He thinks the Chargers are going to try to feature the run, and that Gates will play. He believes the Chargers' special teams gaffes are not coincidental and that they are, indeed, as bad as they've shown.

We both concluded that defensively, the Pats and Chargers are a wash, and that the offenses both should put up points. Keys: special teams play (especially if San Diego continues to screw up) and the one BIG intangible -- whether the Chargers need/want the win more to avoid a 2-5 hole from which they might not recover. On balance, we expect a close contest with both teams scoring in the 20s, no clear favorite. Should be a good game.

That's a conversation I would have loved to have listened to. We're never going to know as much about an opponent as a fan of that opposing team, and visa versa. With their injuries to their receivers it would make sense for them to try to run the ball more than they have in their previous games.

 

[jmt57]

In case you may have missed it, three columns on the Chargers game from PatsFans contributors; below are excerpts from each of those pieces.


Pre-Game Thoughts on the San Diego Chargers: Derek's Patriots Blog

This could be Jermaine Cunningham’s break out game. The Chargers have had protection problems all year and he could be looking at a big day along with the rest of the defense. The Rams sacked Rivers seven times alone last week. After missing the pre-season with a lower leg injury, Cunningham has slowly progressed through the season. Look for him to make an impact.

My Five Keys To Victory For The Patriots Against The Chargers ats Confidential

Tom Brady needs to take advantage of the Chargers Secondary.

If there is a weakness on the Chargers it is their secondary. Quentin Jammer is still back there, but Brady should be able to find several openings in the secondary. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Deion Branch and Wes Welker have big games on Sunday.

Patriots at Chargers: Five Questions with Tim Sullivan Of The San Diego Union-Tribune ats Confidential

On defense what do you feel are the strengths and weaknesses for the Chargers after what you’ve seen so far this season?

The strength of the Chargers’ defense had been their cornerbacks, until last week. Rams’ rookie Sam Bradford exposed Antoine Cason repeatedly in St. Louis. Quentin Jammer remains a very solid cover corner, but he doesn’t have a big reputation because he doesn’t seem to make a lot of plays on the ball and, when he does, his hands don’t always hold on.

The weakness of this defense, as I see it, is up the middle. I don’t think this is a team that goes toe-to-toe very well, as evidenced by Stephen Jackson’s successful third-down runs when the Rams were trying to run out the clock. If you’re getting pushed back at the line of scrimmage, it’s not usually a good sign.

 

[eagle eye]

I think the loss of Floyd and Naanee as well as Gates definitely not going to be close to 100% is huge in this game.

I think its the difference in who wins the game. I can see them being stopped often because Rivers doesn't have enough of targets that he is used to and considering how good the Patriots run D looked last week I think this one will go to the Patriots by at least a touchdown.

 

[jmt57]

WEEI's Christopher Price list ten things to look for in Sunday's game, including this one which has not been discussed as much as some of the others:

patriots - What to watch for Sunday against the Chargers - WEEI | Christopher Price

The Woodhead Factor: Since Kevin Faulk went down, Danny Woodhead has done an excellent job serving as a third-down, changeup back who can contribute in a lot of different areas. Last week against the Ravens, he accounted for 115 yards (63 rushing, 52 receiving) from scrimmage, including an average of 5.7 yards per carry.

One area where he was also able to provide a boost was in blitz pickup, where the sight of the 5-foot-9, 200-pound upending Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis on a block was one of the most impressive sights of the 2010 season. It sounds silly, but the Patriots have yet to lose with Woodhead in the lineup.

“I didn’t know much about him until we got him, but what a great surprise it’s been,” Brady said of Woodhead. “His ability to run the ball probably is the, you know, when you see a guy of his stature, you don’t know what to expect, but he really makes guys miss. He’s been great in the passing game. He has a great attitude. I think that’s exactly what we’re looking for.”

 

[jmt57]

NESN's Jeff Howe has a Q&A with a writer from a Chargerland.

Patriots May Benefit From Chargers' Mistakes on Sunday - Across Enemy Lines - NESN.com

NESN: How is the running game coming along with Ryan Mathews?

J.G.: I guess the best way to describe it would be "up and down." It has been effective at picking up yards, whether with Ryan Mathew or Mike Tolbert, but fumbles by both guys sort of erased the good feelings early in the season. For as good as the running game looks, especially now that Mathews seems to have gotten over his issues with holding onto the ball, it doesn't get nearly enough chances to show off because the team finds itself in early holes almost every week. In the two previous home games, against the Jaguars and Cardinals, the Chargers showed that when they get a lead, the running game and pass rush come alive and create a lot of problems for the opposition.

The Top Five questions facing the Patriots today - BostonHerald.com

Ian Rapoport chimes in with his five keys to the game, most of which have already been covered (i.e., contain Gates, capitalize on Charger mistakes, limit San Diego's pass rush, Pats secondary denying the long pass); here's his final key.

How will the youngsters manage the long and early trip?

Players are used to routine. One day of recovery from the last game, an off-day, three days of preparation, then a flight to the road site when playing an away game. The next day, they play. Yet today’s game will be different. The Patriots flew out on Friday after an early practice, then waited around all day yesterday in the San Diego suburbs while trying to get acclimated to the time change. A small difference. But will that rattle a young team? It will be evident today.

 

[jmt57]

From a San Diego area newspaper:

Chargers: Three Things To Watch For | North County Times

1. Ryan Mathews
The rookie running back has been a steady producer in limited action. The Chargers have been easing him into a role as feature back, and this is as good a game as any to let their thoroughbred run. He's gaining confidence, his ankle is healthy and he's poised for a big game if given the opportunity.

2. Youth in the pattern
Injuries have taken receivers Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee out of the equation, forcing inexperienced pass catchers into action. How they fare, especially in terms of route running and getting open, will determine how efficient the offense will be in what promises to be a high scoring game. If Patrick Crayton, Buster Davis and Co. can't produce, it'll be a long day for the Chargers offense.

3. Pressuring Brady
Rattling Tom Brady is a tough proposition. He's cool under pressure and isn't afraid to take a short gain to keep the chains moving. An inconsistent pass rush has hurt the Chargers, and it could kill them against a team like the Patriots. Look for OLB Shaun Phillips to move around a lot in order to create an early spark.

Patriots Daily | Matchups of the Week, Patriots at Chargers

Bruce Allen lists his top five matchups for the game.

Chargers Desperation vs. Patriots Let Down
The Chargers are a very talented team and are always dangerous. Don’t listen to anybody who thinks that the Patriots will just walk all over them. This game is on the road and the Chargers are going to play with a sense of urgency that will be hard to match. Confounding the problem is that the Patriots, having defeated the vaunted Ravens could be due for a letdown. This is uncharacteristic for a Bill Belichick coached team, but the team is young and that makes their emotional state unpredictable.

Bruce also takes a look at Gronkowski and Hernandez vs the Chargers secondary, BJGE vs the Chargers linebackers, Brandon Meriweather vs Antonio Gates, and Deion Branch vs the SD secondary.



New England Patriots Gameplan: San Diego Chargers - Pats Pulpit
Mike Dussault of Pats Pulpit lists his five keys, including this one:

Ground and Pound - I expect the Patriots to have a balanced attack this week but to stay far more dedicated to the power run game than they did against the Ravens, with Benjarvus Green-Ellis leading the way. The Rams ran all over San Diego, and granted Law Firm isn't Stephen Jackson, but the Patriots should be able to move the ball on the ground.

 

[Lansdowne]

And then there is the solitary Charger fan who fails miserably in a feeble attempt to rally his fellow fans from San Diego:

Pats coming to town is just what the doctor ordered - Chargers.com forums

Just what the doctor ordered indeed!

 

[jmt57]

Just what the doctor ordered indeed!

Should somebody call San Diego 911 to check on his status?

 

[Lansdowne]

Should somebody call San Diego 911 to check on his status?

He is definitely sobbing in his luchador mask right now