New England Patriots: 3 intriguing storylines to watch vs Chargers
Can the New England Patriots keep their playoff hopes alive with a victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 13? Here are three storylines to watch.
Can the New England Patriots finally even their record and keep their playoff hopes alive?
Although 3-8, the Los Angeles Chargers will not be cake walk for a Patriots team that has to grind out victories no matter which team they are playing.
To have success in this game, they will have to execute on the offensive side of the football, limit turnovers and find ways to keep the chains moving against Joey Bosa and the Chargers’ pash rush.
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The biggest challenge is going to come on the defensive side of the football where Bill Belichick will have to find ways to put his defense in position to confuse rookie quarterback Justin Hebert while limiting dynamic running back Austin Ekeler and keeping tight end Hunter Henry and wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams in check.
Given the struggles and record of the Chargers, this seems like a game the Patriots should win, but it is also a game they can lose if they don’t come to play.
Here are three intriguing storylines to watch in this Week 13 matchup against the L.A. Chargers.
Will this be the week the New England Patriots utilize their tight ends
With Cam Newton not 100 Percent, the New England Patriots will probably look to establish the run and a short, quick passing game that should put the veteran quarterback in position to be successful.
So, does that mean Patriots offensive coordinator will draw up more plays for the tight ends now that Dalton Keene has been activated off injured reserve.
While Ryan Izzo has been targeted a few times in games, it’s time to see what the team has in their young tight ends. With the versatility of Keene and his ability to play the fullback position, this would seem like an ideal game to draw up some creative plays for him as he does have experience lining up as a tight end and in the backfield.
Now, it won’t be surprising if the tight ends are once again silent, but the Virginia Tech product could be a secret weapon if he is active for this game and he should be considering starting fullback Jakob Johnson is also dealing with injury.
Look for increased snaps for Dalton Keene.