Category Archives: San Diego Chargers

Defense does its job

Posted on January 13, 2008 by brent

Before Patriots fans start getting upset about the defense giving up passing yards, digging a little deeper will reveal that defense did its job very well against Jacksonville. As I mentioned in my pregame article, a Belichick defense takes away what an opposing offense does best and then relies on that offense to try and win by other means. The Jags came into New England with the NFL’s #2 rushing attack, and the defense shut down the running game. Jacksonville gained 80 yards on 22 carries, which is only about 3.6 yards per carry. They wanted David Garrard to try and beat them, and Garrard played a phenomenal game. You can’t really fault the game plan. It was sound, but Garrard played probably his best game of his young career so far. Hats off to him for sure. What can’t be overlooked was the adjustment made by the Pats at halftime, as the defense tightened up and only gave up 6 points in the second half.
Tom Brady and the offense were amazing. Only 2 incomplete passes for Brady, and they were drops. Another page in his legacy. What fans have to be excited about was the running of Laurence Maroney. Even when he only gained one or two yards, they were usually yards after he got hit in the backfield. Now the Colts or the Chargers have to game plan for Maroney, who wasn’t a factor when both teams played the Pats earlier in the season. By the way, 17-0 ties the Miami Dolphins’ perfect season†total record. Mr. Mercury Morris, not only our we on your block, but I believe we’re about to kick your door down! Go Pats!

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Posted in Bill Belichick, Miami Dolphins, Patriots Game Reviews, Patriots Playoffs, San Diego Chargers | 3 Comments

Steelers out – Patriots may play Jaguars

Posted on January 6, 2008 by brent

The Pittsburgh Steelers fall to the Jacksonville Jaguars in a 31-29 upset won in the last minutes on a Josh Scobee field goal.
The game was a game in the trenches. The Jaguars did not start off well and the Steelers were soon leading 7-0. But the Jaguars defensive line stepped up and controlled the line of scrimmage and only allowed 43 rushing yards on 26 attempts. The Jags defensive line pressured Ben Roethlisberger and sacked him 6 times and forced him to make bad throws with 3 interceptions. If you would like a review of the game you can read Tim McClellan’s article at Jaguars Journal or James’ view over at The Steel Tradition.
The pressure on Roethlisberger will be the same type of pressure Tom Brady will face if the Tennessee Titans lose against the Chargers today in San Diego and the Patriots do in fact face the Jaguars.
The Patriots offensive line has played the best football this year with Dan Koppen, Matt Light and Logan Mankins going to the Pro Bowl. The Pats game versus the Giants is another example of how a team with a great defensive front seven (Philly, Ravens and yes even the Colts – read the Colts article for a good laugh) did pressure Brady, but was not able to do it for sixty minutes. Give Brady a second and it has been a second too long as Brady will find someone open.
The Jaguars added pressure and stopped the Steelers running game, but the Steelers still had 337 passing yards and two touchdown passes. If this is the weak area of the Jaguars then obviously the Patriots have the game plan to beat them here.
The Patriots weapons of mass receptions should provide ample opportunities for Brady to find an open receiver whether it is Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Donte’ Stallworth or Jabar Gaffney.
The Patriots will also be able to use Kevin Faulk on draw plays or catching out of the back field or go to Ben Watson as the Jags are not able to cover the middle as well if the receivers stretch the field.
So offensively the Patriots look to be in a good position as Coach Bill Belichick takes advantages of a team’s weakness and also takes what the opposing team will give him.
So as much as I think Tennessee will be an easier road to the AFC Championship, the Jaguars will not stop that destiny. But I do believe the Jaguars have a better chance to beat the Colts then the Chargers.
IN BILL WE TRUST!

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Posted in Bill Belichick, Fred Taylor, James Sanders, MVN, Mike Vrabel, NFL News, Patriot Act, Patriot Nation Blogs, Patriots Playoffs, Patriots Roster, Pittsburgh Steelers, Randy Moss, Robert Kraft, Rodney Harrison, San Diego Chargers, Special Teams | 2 Comments