The New England Patriots will host the San Diego Chargers in a battle between two of the top AFC teams, in what could turn into a preview of the AFC Championship game in January.
The Patriots got off to a fast start, putting up 622 yards against the Miami Dolphins on Monday night. Tom Brady turned in one of the best performances anyone has seen, with a 517 yards, 4 touchdown night. The last quarterback to throw for over 500 yards and 4 or more TDs was Y.A. Tittle in 1962.
San Diego’s defense started strong as well, allowing only 187 yards to the Minnesota Vikings in their week one victory.
While the Patriots offense against the Chargers defense may be the marquee matchup, featuring the unstoppable force against the immovable object, the game may well be decided on the other side of the ball. Brady and Patriots are going to score some points, but the question is how effectively the Patriots defense can shut down the Chargers.
Philip Rivers started strong as well, throwing for 335 yards and 2 TDs in the opener, while the Patriots offense gave up 416 passing yards to Chad Henne. And with apologies to Chad, he’s no Philip Rivers.
Patriots coach Belichick commented on the strength of the Chargers offense this week, “You’ve got to defend everything. It’s hard. They’re a good team. Even when it’s 3rd-and-20, you don’t feel very good about San Diego. Third-and-20, 3rd-and-3, they can pick up anything. That’s very dangerous, too.”
“There’s not too many teams in the league you say that about, but it doesn’t matter if they need one yard or a quarter of the football field, it seems like that’s easily within their reach.”
Expect a shootout in this game, as the Patriots offense was playing in the stratosphere last week, and the strong Chargers offense is facing a Patriots defense that has shown some vulnerability against the pass. There should be lots of yards and lots of points on the board, and the last team with the ball may well win the game.
