The Patriots take on a talented Chargers team today that presents problems in all three phases of the game.

New England will have to have a sound game plan in place on both sides of the ball. They will need to be aggressive but smart. Controlling the line of scrimmage and limiting the big plays are a must this week. 

Here is this week’s offensive and defensive plan. 

Offense

1. Run at Bosa and Mack: The Patriots rank 7th in the NFL in rushing off-tackle. I would run a lot of outside zone, toss, crack toss and one back power in an effort to get physical with Bosa and Mack. It will help slow them down as pass rushers and force them to have to consistently get off single blocks and double teams. Limiting their effectiveness will be a key today. 

2. Six and seven man protections: Bosa and Mack will get theirs unfortunately but one of the ways to protect Maye is more six and seven man protections. Six in is a must in this game but depending on down and distance, I would also use seven man protections with a built in chip or check release to either side. The Patriots must find a way to protect Maye while being productive in the passing game. It is a delicate balance. 

3. Compress formations and full motion to compress: I would run a ton of compressed formations to create space for the receivers but I would also motion to compress formations. The Chargers secondary is good and they are physical. They tend to get handsy. I would get my receivers away from them and into space as much as possible. Corner routes, out cuts, mesh concepts and switch concepts are all in the plan for this week.

4. Running back screens and draws: I would focus more on a variety of halfback screens and draw plays this week to take advantage of their pass rush. I would not run as many perimeter receiver screens or swing screens to the running backs. Bosa and Mack can eat those up. It is more about attacking them in the screen game and running draw plays or delayed handoffs inside the tackles. 

Defense

1. Play 2 Man and 2 Trap: The Patriots have to play a lot of different looks today but two man and 2-Trap are coverages that I would play because you can get physical with the Chargers receivers and support the run with your safeties and cornerbacks. The Chargers are not the most skilled team in the NFL but they challenge you with their scheme and willingness to push the ball vertically. 

2. Match man on obvious passing downs: I would play man coverage if I could get them into second and third and long. Put Gonzalez on Johnston and Jones on McConkey and bring five or six on a blitz. Make their other receivers and skill guys beat you. I am not letting their two best receivers make plays down the field. 

3. 30 Front, 8 Man Box to 21 Personnel: The Chargers run a lot of 21 personnel. When they do, I am checking into a 30 front with the safety screwing down to give me an eight man box. I am playing Cover 1 behind it and committing the bodies to filling gaps and stopping the run. The Chargers will take their shots when they see that. If they do, then I am gambling that my corners are good enough to match up vertically.

4. T-E & T-T stunts aplenty: I would move a lot along the defensive line today, especially on passing downs. The Patriots defensive line cannot win one on one’s consistently with this Chargers offensive line. I would move guys like Keion White around the front pre-snap and post snap as well. Get him away from Joe Alt as much as possible. Movement along the front seven will be a big key today. Mug the backers as well.