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AFC Game Day, 1/20/2008
January 20, 2008
New England Patriots vs San Diego Chargers
3:05pm EST
The New England Patriots are back in the AFC Championship game. They certainly are motivated all season by redemption and to correct what happened last year. The game is heavily favored in their favor this time around and everyone seems to agree.
Tom Brady has the offense in high gear and have only had a few speed bumps along the way. The passing game maybe affected by the wind but I don't think it'll be enough to slow it down. I would expect to see Moss have a huge game after this week;s events. However, I think Maroney will have a bigger part in the game.
The Pats have to protect the ball and makes sure to win the turnover battle.
The San Diego Charger defense is the only hope they have to win the game.They will have to pressure Brady and make sure to strip and turnover the ball. Otherwise, it will be a long day for them. The Pats have been great at protecting the ball though. It'll be interesting to see which side breaks first. The two Seans will have to have a big game.
Can the Patriots score on the Chargers? I think that should be a safe assumption. But the Patriots will have to make sure to protect Brady and give him enough time to pass the ball.
On the other side of the ball, can the Patriots defense step up? Or will they be a sieve like they have been down the stretch or so it would seem. The last half of the Jags game showed that they could stop the offense from scoring TDs. The linebackers and defensive line will have to be huge in stopping LT and the other running backs. Will you let Volic beat you or an injured LT? hmm
Even though the Charger offense is hobbled, they are still dangerous. Chambers is a good receiver and are a deep threat. Will Rivers play? For some reason, I can see him trying but it'll probably be Volic who will play the bulk of the game. How good is he? Hard to say. There are a lot of questions on the Charger offense. How good they are remains to be seen.
The Patriots have to play a full 60 minutes and stop the stupid penalities....Rodney!!!
The game will probably be a close one for most of the first half. It'll be all about finding out what the Chargers are doing and how the Patriots respond. If the Patriots go up by a touchdown or two, the game will be pretty much over. The Charger offense will have to respond. If they only get field goals.again, the game will be over.
The Patriots just have too much going on their side right now but I won't take it for granted either. The Chargers are a dangerous team with nothing to lose. The Pats have to get up early and score often. Finish off the Chargers.
The Chargers have all the excuses in place to lose. The injuries, the travel, the cold weather...etc etc., The Pats just have to make sure to push them.
Go Pats!!!
-bostondave
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