Image courtesy of the Los Angeles Chargers
Line: Chargers -2
Opening Kickoff: The Patriots begin a tough week with two games in five days. Sunday New England faces the L.A. Chargers and rookie quarterback Justin Herbert before playing the loaded Rams on Thursday night.
This is the 43rd meeting between the two franchises, and New England holds a 25-15-2 advantage. The Patriots have scored exactly 1000 points while San Diego/L.A. has scored 859. The Pats have won five straight and eight of the last nine.
Here are the three offensive and defensive keys for the Patriots:
3 Offensive Keys
1. Help on Bosa: The Patriots have to account for defensive end Joey Bosa. He is a game wrecker who cannot be blocked one on one. He can impact the passing game and running game. Look for the Patriots to double him as much as possible.
2. Newton must execute in the passing game: The Chargers rank 17th against the pass so the Patriots will be able to throw the football with some effectiveness. Cam Newton needs to be consistent and get the ball out on time against an aggressive KO pass rush.
3. Play Action and screens are a must: The Patriots need to slow down the Chargers pass rush. Best way to do it, play action passes and screens. Bosa and Melvin Ingram like to get up the field on second and long and third and long. Use plays that make them slow down and redirect.
3 Defensive Keys
1. Pressure Herbert inside: The Patriots have to get inside pressure on rookie quarterback Justin Herbert. Make him uncomfortable and force him to reset in the pocket and get out. The more time he has, the more he can make plays down the field.
2. Gilmore on Allen: Keenan Allen leads the NFL in receptions. He has been a monster thus far. The Patriots will match up Stephon Gilmore on him but look for them to double him at certain points.
3. Disguise: Bill Belichick is legendary for confusing young quarterbacks. The Patriots will look to confuse Herbert with a variety of looks and pressures. Look for the Patriots to play a variety of fronts and coverages.
Final Prediction: Patriots 31 Chargers 28: I expect this to be a shootout and I think the Patriots will find a way to pull it out. The Chargers have been generate defensively. If the Patriots can block Bosa and Ingram consistently, they will move the ball.