New England Patriots: 5 players destined for big games vs Chargers
These five players are destined for big games in the New England Patriots Week 13 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The New England Patriots will have another opportunity to even their record when they travel to the west coast to take on Justin Hebert and the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday in a Week 13 matchup that serves as another must-win for the team.
Coming off a three-point win against the Arizona Cardinals, the Patriots didn’t play their best football but found ways to make enough plays against Kyler Murray and a playoff contending team like the Cardinals.
Against the 3-8 Chargers, it should be an easier task, but error free football and execution will be the key in winning a game they should win on paper.
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Despite their record, LA does have some weapons who could create havoc. Rookie quarterback Justin Hebert has had his moments but can be confused into mistakes.
But it is playmakers like defensive end Joey Bosa, running back Austin Ekeler, tight end Hunter Henry and wide receivers Tyron Johnson and Jalen Guyton who could present problems for the Patriots on both sides of the ball.
Obviously, Bill Belichick is well aware of the challenge ahead of his team heading into a trip in which they play two games in the span of five days. Thus, the Patriots can’t take the Chargers lightly and here are five players destined to have big games in this Week 13 matchup.
The New England Patriots have found a kicker in Nick Folk
Let’s hope this game does not come down to the kicker, but Nick Folk already has a couple of game-winning field goals under his belt, which has him as one of the New England Patriots more reliable point producers this season.
That says a lot about Cam Newton and the struggle of the offense to get into the end zone at a consistent basis, but with the type of football the Patriots have morphed into offensively, a reliable kicker who could put points on the board has been a necessary component when it comes to a power running game and clock control.
Again, hopefully the game doesn’t come down to the foot of Nick Folk, but returning home to Los Angeles, you know somehow, someway he will be put in position to come through.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick certainly has the confidence in his veteran kicker if it comes down to making field goals at crucial points in the game.
"“He’s a real pro, works very hard at his job and I would say handles the responsibility that comes with it as well as you could,” Belichick said in his conference call Friday. “He’s got great poise and a great demeanor. I think everybody feels very confident when he goes out on the field which is a great feeling and it’s something that you have to earn. It’s not something that’s given to you or you just pick up along the way. You have to go out there and earn it. He’s certainly done that.”"