Keep it Cool

The Chargers, like many other teams this week, have a simple task this week. Win. In this stretch of season, teams who are fighting for playoff spots would be wise to take everything one week at a time. Los Angeles is going to be one of those teams who knows a loss for them could spell an end to their season. They have a two-game buffer on the Indianapolis Colts, but they can’t leave anything to chance. They have won three of their last six, but they need to be licking their chops this week, (and next week when they get through this week.) They were able to take down the Denver Broncos last week, and they looked more like a full team than they had in previous weeks. Justin Herbert threw for 284 yards and had 2 TDs. Their running back committee, led by Gus Edwards in the absence of J.K Dobbins, managed to secure 116 yards and 2 TDs. And Dobbins will be back this week so look for them to continue that success. They need to take this week’s matchup against a weaker Patriots team, who have lost five in a row, and secure a win that will more than likely be the key to your playoff berth. The Chargers have a 99% chance to make the playoffs if they win, if they lose it’s still 83%. Just make it easy on your franchise and win this week.

The Patriots, like other teams, are playing with no playoff hopes as they have already been eliminated. Drake Maye is having a decent season, and one that shows some promise for next year. 2,100+ yards and 14 TDs is pretty good for a rookie in a tough situation. And according to Pro Football Network, they rank last in the NFL in their offensive line gradings, putting them at an overall grade of 47.7. Yikes. That ambiguous stat aside, their offensive line leaves a lot to be desired. They are 30th in pressure rate at 39.4% and are 26th in sack rate at 9%. Yet, they are just 13th in time to throw. There are kinks to be worked out, but I think just getting more reps with this group will only be beneficial for next year. The Patriots will need to win in the trenches. They need to stop the run game as they allow around 130 yards per game on the ground. And, they need to be able to protect a lot better in the run and pass game. That should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyways. I think the Chargers win on the road against a team that’s 1-5 at home.

POSTGAME:

A true showing of team effort. A full team win, and a win that granted a playoff berth in the form of a wildcard spot. They aren’t going to be picky; Los Angeles will just be happy they did it. And they won in a way you would hope the Chargers to perform come playoff time. Yes, it was against the Patriots, but going 26/38 for 281 yards and 3 TDs is really good against any team. Now next week, they can rest their starters, get ready for the playoffs, and iron out any wrinkles. For the Patriots, I mean, they’re getting a higher draft pick with that loss, so I don’t imagine they’ll be too mad, but I know as professionals, players and coaches hate losing. It’s their job, you want to succeed.