Preview: San Diego Chargers vs. New England Patriots

I don’t like the New England Patriots.  I say that so we can just get it out of the way.  I don’t like them because their coach is a cheater, their players act like they aren’t dirty and they aren’t arrogant when they actually are dirty and they are arrogant, and I don’t like them because they are a really good, well coached team.  Just the kind of team the Bolts don’t need to be facing right now.

The Chargers have lost their last three games against the Patriots, including two playoff games that destroyed the hopes of the Chargers best chances to go to the Super Bowl in recent years.  In their last regular season matchup, which came in week 2 of last year, the Chargers were embarrassed in New England.  Later they proved they could hang with the Patriots in a close loss in last year’s AFC championship game.  I still believe the Chargers would have won that thing if they weren’t riddled with injuries, but there’s nothing you can do about that now.  You have to look ahead, to tough game and win that again won’t come easy.

Chargers on offense:  The Patriots defense is tough up front but has a secondary that is not as strong.  The Chargers have struggled on the offensive line recently, and are playing Mike Goff and Kris Dielman at less than 100%.  If the O-line can step up and make the blocks they need to make, this Chargers offense should be too good to stop.

Chargers on defense:  The Chargers are last in the league against the pass.  Read that again…LAST.  So the Patriots are without Tom Brady?  I’m still worried.  Don’t be surprised if QB Matt Cassel has a career day against our Bolts.  Until Ted Cottrell remembers how to call a game, and his players start making plays, I can’t believe that they’re going to be able to stop any team coached by Bill Belichek.

Prediction:  I wasn’t sure which way to go on this until I wrote this column, but I think it’s pretty clear.  The Chargers are playing soft, and in a match-up of Norv Turner & Ted Cottrell versus Bill Belicheck & Company…well, it’s tough to pick the Chargers.  Let’s hope I’m wrong.  Chargers 27, Patriots 30.

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Click here to read my previous post, Wednesday Afternoon QB.

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