The Los Angeles Chargers will be making their way to Gillette Stadium to face off against the New England Patriots in what should be a great AFC Divisional round matchup. The LA Chargers are the perfect opponent for the Pats.
The matchup is set. The New England Patriots will be going up against the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC Divisional round and Pats fans should be pumped.
LA is coming off of a pretty good season. They went 12-4 and had their best season since 2004.
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Philip Rivers turned back the clock, and Keenan Allen was a stud in the passing game. Also, the Chargers got some great play from rookie safety Derwin James. James led the team in tackles as well as interceptions.
Now all of this may have you getting a little nervous. The New England Patriots weren’t so dominant this season so maybe this playoff run won’t be that easy.
Well at least for the first playoff game it should be a breeze. I am really confident in the Patriots especially after finding out that they will be facing the Chargers.
Anything can happen once the game starts, but for all intents and purposes, it seems like we will be seeing New England once again make it t the AFC Championship.
So without further delay let’s get into the 3 reasons why the Los Angeles Chargers are the perfect playoff opponent for the New England Patriots.
1. The New England Patriots own Phillip Rivers
Now Philip Rivers did have a great season for the Chargers. His numbers are actually pretty similar to Tom Brady’s.
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Brady threw for 4,355 yards 29 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while Rivers threw for 4,308 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Those are some great numbers for some old QB’s, but Rivers has some awful history against the Patriots.
The Patriots have dominated Philip Rivers in the playoffs. Rivers has played the Patriots twice in the playoffs in his career and both times he failed to throw for a touchdown and threw for an interception.
If I am a Chargers fan I wouldn’t be so pumped about facing the Patriots defense. Stephon Gilmore should be able to lock down Keenan Allen. Gilmore isn’t an All-Pro for no reason. He can shut down the best receivers in the NFL.
I think this will be another short postseason for Rivers and the LA Chargers.
2. The Chargers can’t handle pass-catching running backs
James White has been amazing for the New England Patriots this season. He has been Tom Brady’s favorite target. That is a bad sign for the LA Chargers.
The Chargers may have Derwin James, but when it comes to running backs who can catch the ball they forget how to play defense.
This season the Chargers gave up 973 receiving yards to opposing running backs which was the most in the entire NFL. If I am Josh McDaniels I am getting James White involved early and often.
The Patriots have used this strategy on the Chargers before. The last time these two teams played, New England’s running backs had 14 catches for 163 yards.
James White’s success against the Chargers will give you an early indication if the team is going to win. If Tom Brady is able to find White early in the game for some solid gains it will be a long day for Chargers fans.
3. The Chargers almost lost to the Baltimore Ravens.
If there are any Baltimore Ravens fans reading this I am sorry for the loss, but you guys barely deserved to be in the playoffs.
The Ravens barely have a quarterback and seemed completely out of the game, but somehow only lost by a touchdown. I really don’t know how they did it. The Ravens were down by 20 points at one point.
Also if it wasn’t for the Chargers kicker LA may be on vacation. Kicker Michael Badgley hit 5 field goals giving the Chargers a majority of their points. If LA can be stopped by the Ravens defense I am confident in the Pats defensive unit.
It is always good to have playoff football back in New England. It is the true start of the season for Patriots fans, and it looks like we are poised to make another great run to the Super Bowl. Everything seems to always work out in the Patriots favor.