The Los Angeles Chargers visit Foxboro and the Bolts have plenty to play for in a what is a must win game for them. 

On paper, the Chargers present match up problems along the offensive and defensive lines but the Patriots can match up on the perimeter. The question is, can the Patriots get consistent pressure on Justin Herbert and throw him off his spot? We shall see.

Here are five match-ups to watch in today’s Chargers, Patriots game. 

WR Ladd McConkey vs. CB  Christian Gonzalez: If we’re going to play the match up game, I would put Gonzalez on McConkey. I think he is their best and most consistent receiver. Gonzalez has to be physical with him but he also needs to be good with his technique as McConkey is a good route runner and he creates separation on breaks. Gonzalez will be tested today.

LDE Joey Bosa vs. LT  Vedarian Lowe: Bosa has not been the same player the last two seasons but he still has elite level pass rush skills and he wins with get off. Lowe will have to be good fundamentally. He needs to cut the edge off and force Bosa into a double move and back inside. If Bosa is allowed get outside and lean on Lowe, V is in for a long day. The Patriots are certainly facing a dilemma in terms of how to handle both Bosa and Khalil Mack. Initially, I would help Trey Jacobs against Mack but Lowe may need some assistance as well.

ROLB Khalil Mack vs. RT Trey Jacobs: Man…tough match up for Jacobs. Mack is one of the best pass rushers of this generation and he feasts on right tackles like Jacobs who are long but a step slow at times. The Patriots will have to help Jacobs as much as possible, especially in obvious passing situations. He will have his hands full with the future Hall of Famer. 

RT Joe Alt vs. DE Keion White: White made headlines with his talk this week and now he will have to back it up on the field. He faces a stiff challenge in John Alt. The rookie right tackle is long, athletic and physical. He has been as good as advertised. White has to win with speed and a sound pass rush plan of attack. Simply trying to win with speed or speed to power isn’t going to be enough. The Patriots are going to have to run some T-E games with White to get him away from Alt. 

WR Quentin Johnson vs.CB  Jonathan Jones: I could see a scenario where the Patriots decide Gonzalez is the better match up against Johnson because of his big play potential. Nonetheless, I expect Jones to start off on him, at least from the 20 to the 20. This will be a match up to watch as it could change through out the course of the game. Jones on McConkey could be a more favorable match up for the Patriots ultimately.