Gillette Stadium
Foxborough, MA
Why the Patriots Will Win
The Patriots are showing no signs of slowing down in their mission to become the first team in NFL history to go 19-0.
In last week’s Divisional Playoff versus the Patriots, the Jaguars played nearly a perfect first half, but could only manage a 14-14 tie. The Jags held wide receiver Randy Moss to just one reception, but the Pats other wideout, Wes Welker, caught nine passes. During the regular season the Jags defense was strong versus the run, ranked 11th in the league but Pats running back Laurence Maroney ran for 122 yards.
My point is that no matter how good you think your team is or how well they play, the Patriots are better. If you try to stop one player, they’ll find another to beat you.
Why the Chargers Will Win
The Chargers training room has been busy this week. Injuries to quarterback Philip Rivers, running back LaDanian Tomlinson, tight end Antonio Gates, nose tackle Jamal Williams and an illness to linebacker Shawne Merriman have caused all players to miss practice this week, however, they are all expected to take the field on Sunday. It’s no secret that in order for the Chargers to have a chance, they’re going to need huge games out of these five guys.
The most intriguing match-up of the game will be the Chargers defense versus the Patriots offense. San Diego’s defensive line is good enough to stop the run and put Tom Brady on his backside. The secondary is very good and will make life rough for Randy Moss and the Pats wide receiving corps.
The Chargers must win the turnover battle.
Bad Blood
The Patriots beat the Chargers in San Diego, 24-21 to end San Diego’s season in the 2006 playoffs. The real fireworks came after the game when New England cornerback Ellis Hobbs mocked San Diego linebacker Shawne Merriman’s “Lights Out” dance. Merriman thought the act was classless and his thoughts were backed by Philip Rivers and LaDanian Tomlinson.
Said Merriman, “I was furious, but not because he did it … but because it just looked terrible. That really got under my skin a little bit. At least if you’re going to do it, look at some film and kind of watch how I do it.”
Rivers called Hobbs the “sorriest cornerback in the league,” and Tomlinson said the Patriots showed “no class, and it comes from the head coach.”
The NFL’s Most Hated Player?
Move over T.O. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is quickly becoming the NFL’s most hated player. In his two years as the starting quarterback, Rivers responded to booing by the home fans by flipping them off, taunted Denver quarterback Jay Cutler and last week, he took part in a shouting match with the Colts fans.
Fan or Moron?
A Patriots fan has decided it would be a good idea to get Tom Brady’s helmet tattoed onto his bald head.
The Heckler’s Pick
San Diego’s win at Indianapolis was very impressive but how can anybody pick against New England?
37 – 20
