by Tyler Thompson
The New England Patriots will take on the Los Angeles Chargers in a Halloween game this Sunday (Oct. 31). The Patriots (3-4) will travel across the country to the City of Angels to play the Chargers (4-2). In their most recent matchup last season, the Patriots decimated the Chargers 45-0. Justin Herbert and company look to take revenge this season.
The Chargers seem to exceed the Patriots skill-wise, but the Patriots have an all-time great at head coach with Bill Belichick. Justin Herbert has 1,771 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions through 6 games to Mac Jones’ 1,779 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions through 7 games. While Mac Jones no doubt has the potential to be a great quarterback, he is not there yet.
The Patriots will heavily rely on their run game as the Chargers defense ranks dead last in yards per carry and rush yards per game at 5.4 yards and 162.5 yards, respectively. The Patriots will rely on their premiere running back, Damien Harris. Harris had a monster game last week with 106 rush yards to go along with 2 touchdowns. The Chargers hope to get defensive tackle Justin Jones back to help limit the Patriots run game.
On the other side of the ball, the Patriots defense has Justin Herbert to worry about. Herbert is looking to bounce back after a bad game against the Ravens in the loss in Week 6. Everyone has now seen what Herbert can do: at 6’6’’, 236 lbs, and a cannon attached to his right shoulder, Herbert has everything you could want in a quarterback, and more. When Herbert gets into rhythm, he is unstoppable. The Chargers' offense mainly travels by air, and have several pass catchers to do so. Mike Williams and Keenan Allen might be one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL. The Patriots are a little shallow in the secondary right now after trading away Stephon Gilmore. Herbert needs to exploit this undermanned secondary for the Chargers to win.
The third phase of the game, special teams, will be exceedingly important. Last year, the Patriots exploited the Chargers' special teams when they blocked a field goal and returned it for a touchdown, and a punt return for a touchdown. The Chargers special teams woes have carried into this season, but the Chargers have recently signed kicker Dustin Hopkins and return specialist Andre Roberts to hopefully improve their unit.
This matchup will be an exciting one, and will no doubt be a competitive game for both teams.
Tito's Keys to the Game:
Patriots' keys to victory: don’t let Herbert get into rhythm, establish a dominant run game early, and take advantage of Chargers’ special teams.
Chargers' keys to victory: limit the Patriots run defense, force turnovers, don’t let this be a breakout game for Mac Jones, and try to make positive plays in the special teams game.
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