New England Patriots: 5 players destined for big games vs Chargers

The Adrian Phillips game

Another player returning home is New England Patriots safety Adrian Phillips.

Going up against his former team, expect Phillips to make some big plays in this game both in the box against dynamic running back Austin Ekeler and in the passing game.

Due to the team’s lack of linebacker depth and speed, Phillips has been used in the same way the team has used Patrick Chung in past seasons.  He is a physical defensive back who can play in the box.  He is also a smart player who Bill Belichick has come to value.

It is what he showed during his days with the Chargers that has made him a reliable resource in the Patriots’ defense this season.

"“He did a really good job for the Chargers, as he has for us, on defense and the kicking game,” Belichick said Friday.  “Adrian showed a lot of value as a special teams player as well as in multiple defensive roles that he has played out there, and he’s been able to do that for us here.  So, anytime you put them into a different system, you never know exactly how that’s going to work out, But, Adrian is a smart player, he’s very instinctive and he works extremely hard at football.”"

As has been the case all season long, the veteran safety will be put in position to make plays and he will make them against his former team.

Expect Adrian Phillips to make quite a few big plays against the Chargers both defensively and on special teams.