State Of The Union: San Diego Chargers Defense Week 14
The San Diego Chargers return to San Diego after a big win at Baltimore. The New England Patriots come to San Diego after suffering a huge loss to the Green Bay Packers. The stakes are high as both teams chase playoff spots and it will be seen under the big lights of Sunday Night Football on NBC.
The Chargers defense has the tough task of facing Tom Brady. This defense plays Peyton Manning twice a year so they are used to playing elite quarterbacks. The Patriots have many weapons on the field but the Chargers have enough pieces to contain the Patriots offense.
Tom Brady is having a great season throwing for 3,243 yards and 28 touchdowns. He has only thrown 6 interceptions and has been sacked 15 times. He will have Corey Liuget, Melvin Ingram, and Dwight Freeney to deal with as they put pressure. The Patriots have to go very conservative if the Chargers are bringing the rush.
The Patriots run game is a strange committee. It is built for Shane Vereen on passing downs then a 3 headed monster of LeGarrette Blount, Jonas Gray, and Brandon Bolden. I expect Blount to get the majority of carries and the Chargers need to shut him down to force Brady to do it all.
The receivers to cover up are Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell, Tim Wright, and Shane Vereen. The Patriots have a 2 tight end system with Gronkowski and Wright. Watch for Eric Weddle and Marcus Gilchrist to cover the tight ends up with Gronk being double teamed from Donald Buter or a 3rd corner. Brandon Flowers is expected to cover Edelman and LaFell on Shareece Wright. Every guy on the Patriots will get their targets and it can be argued that each receiver gets a touchdown in this game.
The Patriots can score at least 3-4 touchdowns on the Chargers. 1 rushing touchdown, 3 passing touchdowns but the Chargers offense will be able to counter. Find out more in our next piece as we look at the offense in this game. The Chargers will play the Patriots Sunday, December 7 at 5:30 Pacific on NBC.