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Predictions: New England Patriots Bounce Back in San Diego

By Frank OLaughlin

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Nov 30, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

This Sunday’s tilt between the New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers will again feature a matchup between two prominent gunslingers. Tom Brady and Philip Rivers have endured great success at their crafts for many years. Brady has helped lead the Patriots to a 9-3 start, while Rivers has the Chargers scratching and clawing for a division crown in the loaded AFC West at 8-4.

New England is on what they call a “business trip” this week following their loss to Green Bay. When Bill Belichick, Brady and company talk business, it usually spells nightmare for their opponent. Let’s not overlook the fact New England practically never drops two straight games, especially at this juncture in the season.

While the Chargers are a more than respectable opponent, we here at Chowder and Champions see the Patriots bouncing back with a much-needed victory in primetime at Qualcomm.

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Matthew Rewinski’s Prediction:

This will sound cocky, brash, arrogant, aloof, and decidedly “sour grapes” all at the same time, but if the Patriots defense can more or less keep Aaron Rodgers in check, stopping Phillip Rivers, as good as he is, doesn’t look quite so daunting anymore. 

Patriots fans sobbing into their cheese dip about how Rodgers had “all day” to throw last weekend probably weren’t taking note that many of the New England defensive schemes were designed to prevent Rodgers from making a 3rd-and-long into a 1st-and-goal by pulling off a Sonic the Hedgehog run outside the pocket.

Rivers, although he’s an excellent traditional quarterback, would look like he was running through wet cement by comparison.  Look for a mix of three and four man fronts to try to force Rivers to throw quickly and limit big plays, like bombs to Keenan Allen or Malcolm Floyd, from coming together.

New England’s probably also going to pound the interior of the San Diego offensive line to take advantage of the Chargers’ inexperience under center and get immediate pressure. Dont’a Hightower could also be a nightmare rushing the passer, if the “pressure up the middle” approach seems to be working.

On the other side of the ball, it’ll be interesting watching how San Diego deploys the rejuvenated cornerback Brandon Flowers against New England’s set of playmakers.  As always, look for Brady to take immediate and decisive advantage against bad man coverage, and the long-gone deep ball might make a comeback if LaFell or anyone else finds themselves behind a DB.

Look for Josh McDaniels to call an aggressive gameplan early on, hopefully to establish a lead and force Rivers to sling the ball into the abyss of New England’s secondary later on and give the Patriots’ offense some flexibility in the second half.

The Patriots will defeat the Chargers, 31-23.

Dylan Smith’s Prediction:

The Patriots have a tough test this week with huge playoff seeding implications on the line. If the Patriots lose this one they will be put in a vulnerable position where they may be looking at the #2 seed of and losing that coveted playoff bye week.

The Patriots need to do three things in order to leave San Diego with a win.

They need their corners, others than Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, to tighten up their coverage and not let opposing Phillip Rivers exploit them. Vince Wilfork has an excellent matchup that should lead to even more pressure on Phillip Rivers. Look for him to have a big game. Finally the status of Dont’a Hightower and Chandler Jones will be significant. Depending on who starts and sits, the defense may have their work cut out for them.

Ultimately I think the Pats win this one in a relatively low scoring game compared to previous games.

The Patriots will edge the Chargers, 28-21.

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Frank O’Laughlin’s Prediction:

Based on the emotion and disappointment Tom Brady showed on the sideline as time ticked away this past Sunday against Green Bay, I personally feel bad for the Chargers secondary. Brady and the Patriots are motivated and are more than ready to avenge their Week 13 defeat. The potential return of Chandler Jones could play a major role in the football game as well.

I look for the Patriots to establish the run early on to open up the aerial attack. LeGarrette Blount has ran extremely well since returning a few weeks back. He should move the rock with little resistance in this one. Jonas Gray could also see some time after Bill Belichick’s two-week punishment.

Brandon LaFell and Rob Gronkowski will be key. San Diego’s defense is susceptible to being beaten and beaten often. They’ve allowed 30+ points in three out of their last five games, including a 37-0 loss to Miami back on November 2. Brady will look to feed the duo with the hopes of jumping out to an early lead, just as we’ve seen them do ever so often this season.

Philip Rivers is exclusively a pocket passer. He’s not a threat to run and the Patriots should be licking their chops at the thought of getting after him. If given time, Rivers will sling it to Keenan Allen, Antonio Gates and Malcolm Floyd. An active pass rush will allow Darrelle Revis and company to blanket Rivers’ weapons.

Expect Matt Patricia to dial up the blitz early and often. Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins and Akeem Ayers should fine success in getting to Rivers given the inexperience of the Charger offensive line. Jones, if active, will only make the Patriots front more difficult to defend. Rob Ninkovich will have the most favorable matchup though. He’ll be rushing opposite the massive King Dunlap. Ninkovich should succeed in beating him off the edge.

The Patriots will defeat the Chargers, 34-21.

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