9. Can the Patriots handle San Diego's pressure?
The Chargers' 3-4 defense is pressure based (42 sacks on the season). While outside linebackers Shawne Merriman (12.5 sacks) and Shaun Phillips (8.5 sacks) are terrific rushing off the edge, what further makes San Diego effective is a rock solid defensive line of nose tackle Jamal Williams and ends Luis Castillo and Igor Olshansky. Castillo, in particular, is a Pro Bowl-caliber player.
The Chargers' 3-4 defense is pressure based (42 sacks on the season). While outside linebackers Shawne Merriman (12.5 sacks) and Shaun Phillips (8.5 sacks) are terrific rushing off the edge, what further makes San Diego effective is a rock solid defensive line of nose tackle Jamal Williams and ends Luis Castillo and Igor Olshansky. Castillo, in particular, is a Pro Bowl-caliber player.
(AP Photo)