It's Playoff Time, Woohoo! (Patriots vs. Chargers Preview)
For some reason, last week against the Jets wasn’t a big exciting playoff game for me, I think I knew we were going to win. Even though I still have all the confidence in this 13 -4 Patriots squad, it is a lot more exciting going to play a team that has a strong chance of ending our season. This is the kind of game that could go down in history books as one of the best ever. Both teams are playing their best football of the season. The high flying Chargers have won ten in a row, and the Patriots are winners of seven of their last eight.
On defense, the Chargers have been very good, with the front seven leading the way. On the d-line, 2nd year man Luis Castillo out of Northwestern is starting to tear defenses apart, giving credibility to the Chargers using their first round pick on him in 2005. Jamal Williams has been a beast at defensive tackle, earning a pro bowl selection. At outside linebacker, Shawne Merriman will be a problem, especially for Brady. His pass rushing skills are insane, and it will be up to Matt Light and Nick Kazcur to slow him down. But don’t underestimate veterans Randall Godfrey and Donnie Edwards, both are having fine seasons, and if they are left unchecked, they have the ability to terrorize us.
The Patriots will need to attack the Chargers through the air to win on Sunday. The Chargers weakness on defense is their defensive backfield, led by cornerback Quentin Jammer. Last week, Brady picked on Justin Miller, this week, he will have to pick on Drayton Florence or Antonio Cromartie. If he does, expect receivers Jabar Gaffney and Reche Caldwell to have big games again. Don’t be surprised if the Patriots try throwing to Chad Jackson deep again this week. Clock Killin’ Corey Dillon needs to be able to pound it between the tackles consistently. If he gets going early, it will open up holes for Laurence “Kool-Aid Maroney.”
Greg’s Prediction: Patriots 34 Chargers 31 (Stephen Gostkowski game wining kick from 47 yards as time expires)
Reader Comments
i second that! lets make it 12-1!
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Can San Diego move Seymour-Wilfork-Warren? That’s my big question coming into this game, as whether or not Brady and the offense can create opportunities on offense is a moot point in my mind…with the protection he was provided last week, I’m not thinking that San Diego can shut us down.
It’s whether or not SDs offensive line can push our guys around and create lanes for LT…how often does he hit the secondary? When he goes outside, are we able to keep him from turning the corner? I remember a couple games versus Miami a few years back and how sad it was to see Ricky being able to do just that on the outside all day long.
I can’t see anybody running it with any kind of consistent success on us up the gut or off tackle, but I’m nervous about sweeps and tosses to the outside. Luckily though, our fastest two linebackers are our outside guys, and I’m confident that when he does get cut off out there, it won’t be easy for him to find anything by cutting back…our players are too disciplined to get beat like that.
If we can get them into 3rd and long a few times, then the game goes in our favor. If the 3rd down plays for San Diego can include a run, it’ll be a lot closer than I hope it is.
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We must admit, we are worried about this game. If the Hatriots get past the Chargers, not too much is left in their path. They must lose this weekend or all is lost!
Prediction/Hope/Prayer for the game:
Chargers 31
Hatriots 30
(missed field goal at end, reminding Hatriots that they should have kept Adam V.)
- Hater in Chief
(http://i-hate-the-new-england-patriots.blogspot.com)
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Hey, I just realized
I had a pretty darn good guess at the way the game would turn out!!!!!!!!!
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Hater in Chief…
Nice to hear you again…
Seems like your prediction came true lol
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