| Chargers at Patriots: Matthew Estrella Is Watching You, Norv Turner
2007 Records:
San Diego Chargers (1-0)
New England Patriots (1-0)
Last Week:
Bears 3, Chargers 14
Patriots 38, Jets 14
Last Meeting:
January 14, 2007, Patriots 24, Chargers 21. Yeah, the Chargers would like to forget that game. Replacing Marty Schottenheimer with Norv Turner helps. I think.
When the Chargers have the ball:
I'll defer to Rob Zepeda on this one: San Diego has to establish the run -- LaDainian Tomlinson has had success against New England in his career -- and use the running game to set up the pass. Philip Rivers doesn't have the weapons Tom Brady does (wideouts, not hidden video cameras), but Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson aren't exactly slouches.
When the Patriots have the ball:
I think Randy Moss quieted a lot of critics with last week's performance, and you know what you're getting with Tom Brady. If the offensive line can protect Brady like they did last week -- and that will be an interesting subplot -- the Pats could win going away.
The Edge:
The Chargers are motivated by revenge -- last year's playoff game was an embarrassment in their eyes -- and the Patriots are distracted by all the off-field silliness. Usually, the outside-of-football stuff doesn't affect New England's preparation, but this is different.
Keep an eye on:
Again, channeling Rob Zepeda: "[Chargers Linebackers] Stephen Cooper and Matt Wilhelm are first year starters, but both have been in the league long enough to be considered veterans. They'll bring different things to the table as the team's new inside linebackers. In particular, they'll be a force in the run game and will fly around and hit people."
And I'll submit to Tom Masse for the Patriots player(s) to keep an eye on: "[V]iewers should watch for defensive tackle Richard Seymour's backup, Jarvis Green. Green could probably be a starter on most other teams, and he had a monster game against the Jets last week in Seymour's stead: 5 solo tackles, an assist and 2 sacks. Second to Green, I'll mention safety Eugene Wilson, who is the second starter opposite suspended Rodney Harrison."
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