The Patriots (3-1) visit the Chargers (2-3) on Sunday at Qualcomm Stadium (8:15 p.m. EDT). Here are some items that stand out about the Chargers, who are expected to wear their Powder-Blue alternate jerseys for the game:
1) Pass rush likes to bring five. The Patriots are likely preparing for a steady diet of blitzes, as the Chargers generally like to rush five or more players. San Diego's defense, however, has not found its edge as the unit is giving up more passing yards per game than any NFL club. That's hard to believe with talented corners like Antonio Cromartie and Quentin Jammer. Third-down defense, where the Chargers rank sixth in the NFL, has covered up some of the unit's problems.
2) Darren Sproles a top weapon. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson has not got things going consistently (89 carries, 331 yards, 3.7 avg.; 15 catches, 80 yards), but the team's other back, Darren Sproles, has been exceptional. Sproles has 130 yards on 26 carries (5.0 avg.) and 139 yards on six receptions, which includes a 66-yard catch-and-run score. Sproles, a smaller player at 5-6, 181 pounds can be tough to locate behind larger blockers. Sproles also has a 103-yard kickoff return, and can be tough on both kickoff and punts.
3) Slow starters. Things haven't gone right for the Chargers early in games, from the opening toss. The team has lost all five opening tosses this year, and has scored just 16 points in the first quarter. In the entire first half, the Chargers have been outscored 86-58.
4) Injuries must be monitored. The Chargers are a banged-up football team, specifically at receiver with Chris Chambers (ankle) and Vincent Jackson (knee). Running back LaDainian Tomlinson (toe) hasn't looked like his normal self at times -- there just isn't the same explosiveness coming out of his cuts -- and starting outside linebacker Jyles Tucker (hamstring) and tight end Antonio Gates (hip) have also been hobbled.
5) Mike Scifres a top punter. Punter Mike Scifres is one of the NFL's best, as the Chargers enter with the NFL's top net average (45.1). He has six punts inside the 20 and can shift field position.
FINAL ANALYSIS: This game has the potential for some special teams explosion with both clubs. The Patriots will need a better performance from punter Chris Hanson this week, specifically when it comes to directional punts that negate Darren Sproles' return abilities. Overall, the kicking and field position game are going to be essential. Elsewhere, the Chargers' corners are capable of winning one-on-one, man-to-man matchups against the Patriots' receivers, and if that happens, it will allow them to do more in other areas of the field. The Chargers have not played well the last two weeks on the road, and are banged up. They looked lethal in their last home game, a 48-29 win over the Jets. If the Chargers play like that, it's hard to see the Patriots being able to keep pace. Prediction: Chargers 24, Patriots 23.
Comment
Permalink
Email
Mike, it must seem strange picking against the Pats after last year when the debate wasn't whether they'd win or not, but by how much. I think we're a little healthier than the Chargers so I'll reverse your numbers. Pats 24-23.
I think both teams have the ability to implode, right now, so I have a feeling it will be 28-13 for one or the other! I'm hoping that PATS!
Cheers,
Davo
Mike, picking against the Pats? IMHO defense will set the tone in this matchup...Patriot 'D' much better than the oppositions.....health is also a factor as well as coaching....BB and DC against NT pahlease.....Patriots 24-14
hopefully the team had a nice vacation in CA. we will send them home with a vacation momento,a whippin!
Mr. Reiss,
You are a straight shooter and I hope you're predictions come true. May the best team win. Good Luck ! !!
Play fair or don't play at all. I submitted a pretty fair comment that was deleted.
Show all or nothing at all.
Chargers 31 - Patriots 6
If Brady threw 2 INTS vs Chargers last year, then surely Cassel will throw 4 INTs.
didn't you pick the Patriots on WBZ last night?
Prep Guru. It might have been the picks in the Globe, where we make selecitons against the point spread. The Chargers are a 6-point favorite and I picked the Patriots. Predicting the way these games will unfold is extremely hard. I would have never projected the Dolphins to beat the Patriots, 38-13. A lot of it is "feel" and something tells me the Patriots are going to have a hard time matching the Chargers' ability to move the ball. Like the Patriots, I am 3-1 this year predicting their games; the lone loss being the Dolphins.
--Mike
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
Patriots Twitter
ask reiss
Questions will be considered for Mike's mailbagbrowse this blog
by categoryINside Boston.com