The Chargers get another run at the Patriots, a season after giving the game back to Tom Brady and watching the Patriots’ defense do Shawne Merriman’s dance at mid-field in San Diego. Not only that, but the Patriots smacked the Chargers around earlier this season as well, right after LT spouted off about how the Patriots were a bunch of cheaters and all that business about Spy-Gate. Oh yes, this game has more drama than an episode of Jerry Springer and 3 terrible Soap Operas combined. The Conference Championship shouldn’t go down any other way.
Line: Chargers (+14) @ Patriots (-14) O/U 47
Time: 1/20/2008 3:00pm EST on CBS
On offense, the Chargers will rely heavily on their run game, regardless of how healthy LaDainian Tomlinson is. Ideally, Tomlinson will have his best playoff performance of his career, which wouldn’t be all that tough considering he hasn’t done much in his limited experience. If he can’t go, that is why Michael Turner is still with the team. Turner has the ability and know-how to be a top rusher in this league, and the Chargers won’t hesitate to use him heavily. Also, the team’s scat-back, Darren Sproles, will get a handful of looks. He proved last week that he’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball.
Phillip Rivers looks like he’s going to be healthy and ready to go when game time arrives on Sunday. Rivers has two banged up knees, but his mobility isn’t really something the Chargers rely on. Rivers doesn’t throw really hard, but his confidence and accuracy in the pocket are strengths that could put pressure on the Patriots. New England has a lot of talent, but they also take chances. If Rivers can hold onto the ball and complete 3rd downs early, New England’s defense will have to dumb down their rush a little.
The Chargers will need a team effort to be competitive in New England. The Patriots have done everything they can to win games all season long, and with that Super Bowl smell in the air, I don’t see a let down on Sunday. A decent attack on both sides of the ball won’t do it - the Chargers need to have a great game, and that task lies in the hands of their biggest stars.
Tom Brady will be the man getting all the love from now until eternity, and his stellar game breaking, record destroying numbers have a lot to do with that. Randy Moss’s elite ability also gives Brady an offensive weapon that no other team in the league possesses. But that’s not the most important thing for the Patriots on Sunday. Laurence Maroney, a running back that hasn’t gotten all that much credit, will be the difference between a close game and a blowout. If Maroney can exploit a front line that will be worried about the pass, the Patriots can knock San Diego off their game plan, in turn dominating this game. If Maroney has another solid game, the Patriots will win by 3 touchdowns.
Defensively, the Patriots use intelligence, will, and a team loaded full of talented vets and full-throttle athletes. There isn’t one guy on this team that wouldn’t give himself up for his team, and that’s why they play so great together. Junior Seau, Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, and Adalius Thomas compile one of the most football savvy linebacking units in the game. Richard Seymour doesn’t get much credit up front, but he, Wolfork, and Ty Warren make it possible for those four backers to do whatever they want. Those 3 beasts up front keep blockers off the 2nd line of defense, eliminating big plays from opposing offenses. Bend, never break, see a play and make it.
As I said in the Chargers’ section, New England’s offense can’t be stopped, and that is why this game lies in the hands of the defenses. If the Chargers can slow Tom and his crew for just a few series, the Chargers have a chance. If the Patriots don’t allow big plays, I don’t think the Chargers can score with New England, even on a good day. 18-0… Are you serious?
