The Patriots are back at Gillette Stadium on Sunday when they host the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Chargers have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL and they can pose match up problems all over the place.
The Patriots will have their hands full in this one but if the defense plays well and Bailey Zappe can lead the offense on some consistent drives, New England can win this game.
Here are three things the Patriots need to do offensively in this game and three things they need to do defensively.
Offense
1. Get the ball out of Zappe’s hands quick: I would game plan a heavy dose of three step passes, perimeter screens and play-action. Keep things simple in the passing game and get the ball out of his hands quickly. Especially with the weather being a factor in this game.
Here are three examples of pass plays I would call.
2. Screen their edge rushers: Joey Bosa will be out for this game so that helps but Khalil Mack has been a force so the Patriots will need to find ways to slow him down. One way to do it is halfback screens to his side, especially on early downs. It might be the best way to slow down their pass rush and get them to take the foot off the gas.
3. Draws: Another way to slow down Los Angeles’ pass rush is draws. The Patriots have not run a lot of draws this season but today’s game is a good opportunity to dust them off, especially if the perimeter screens off of them are effective.
Defense
1. Bring interior pressure: The Patriots need to blitz inside and throw Herbert off of his spot. Make him get outside the pocket and get him on the run. Herbert wants to hang, hitch and deliver from the pocket. Don’t let him! Get in his face and force him to get the ball out on his first or second read.
2. Eight man box: The Patriots will need to get into some eight man boxes, especially on early downs. Austin Eckler can be a factor in this game, especially with heavy rain being forecasted. He will be featured even more. Look for the Patriots to insert the strong safety in the box even more than usual on first and second down.
3. Bracket Allen: Keenan Allen is one of the best receivers in the NFL so I would expect Bill Belichick to double him today and try to limit his effectiveness. Doubling him in the red zone will be especially important. That is where Herbert looks for him the most.
