Big plays by their offense and by their defense is the only way the Chargers could upset the undefeated New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game. The Patriots are rested, healthier than San Diego and primed to qualify for another Super Bowl appearance.
{mgmediabot2}type=youtube|youtubeid=YP_JLdLvReI{/mgmediabot2}
There's no way that the San Diego defense can shut the Pats explosive offense down, so big plays on turnovers is the only way they can stop them. Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips must have career games in order to pressure Tom Brady and force him off his game. They'll have to change their coverages to try to keep Brady guessing. At times they'll double team Randy Moss while other times they'll leave him one on one. Wes Welker will probably have another big day because San Diego will try to keep a safety deep to prevent Moss from streaking deep for quick points. Donte Stallworth and Jabar Gaffney will feast off of the single coverage.
If the Chargers try to attack Brady will blitzes he'll hand the ball off to Laurence Maroney and dump short passes to Welker and fullback Kevin Faulk. The Patriots have a strategy for dealing with any kind of defense. Merriman and Phillips must force some fumbles, or cornerback Antonio Cromartie must come down with an interception or two. They need big plays.
When the Chargers have the ball they've got to get some big runs from Landanian Tomlinson or Michael Turner and big pass plays downfield from Phillip Rivers. The San Diego offense will have to strike often so they can keep up with the Pats who will be putting points on the board. It will be difficult for ailing tight end Antonio Gates to contribute the way he usually does, but he needs to catch some short passes to keep the New England defense honest. Rivers must have a great game and connect for scores with Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers. He can't throw interceptions while he's trying to make big plays.
It's just too much to ask for the Chargers. They were fortunate to make it this far, but the road stops here. The NFL might as well start putting the New England Patriots' name on another Lombardi Trophy.
Patriots 31-17
takipçi satın al