PatsBlog: A Patriots Blog

Right now, there is a cloud hanging over the entire New England Patriots organization.  A black cloud that won’t go away, and unless the Patriots win now, the cloud will put a mark on the Patriots’ dynasty.  Belicheat better be telling his players that they need to win it all this year, for people to look past the cheating, and to keep their titles clean.

That being said, this week’s game against the Chargers may be the Pats’ toughest game of the season.  Right now, San Diego is seeking revenge after a bizarre turn of fate and some guy named Troy Brown eliminated them from the playoffs last year.  Now, New England has something to prove as well.  They need to win to prove that they are the team that everyone thought they were heading into this week.  Both clubs are going to be hungry, so it should be a great game Sunday night.

Keys To The Game - Patriots

1. Keep Ladainian Tomlinson in Check - Did you know that the Chargers have some guy named Ladainian Tomlinson?  I hear that he’s pretty good.  I think the Patriots may need to spy him in this game, and although it is redundant, they just need to contain this guy, or it will be a long day.  To contain him, I think the Patriots are going to need to bring five or six man blitzes at some points.

2. Keep up the Pass Protection - Last week, the Patriots had excellent pass protection.  Now, they’re going up against two of the top young pass rushers in the league, in Luis Castillo, and Shawne Merriman.  If Ryan O’Callaghan and Nick Kazcur can keep up the good work at right tackle, we should be fine, but that is a big IF.

3. Work on the Running Game - Last week, I loved how the Patriots opened up with the run.  I think they should do that again.  When you’re going up against a great defense, like the Chargers’, keeping a defense honest with a strong and initial ground attack is very critical.

4. Go Deep with Moss and Stallworth - Do you think Quentin Jammer can keep up with Randy Moss?  I don’t think so.  One word: ATTACK (once they’ve set it up with the run)!  But, the Patriots need to still watch out for the rookie Eric Weddle, who will be lurking deep and in underneath routes (so he could take Welker out of the game).  Also, the Pats need to keep an eye on Donte Stallworth, as a lot of the Charger’s attention will be focused on Moss.

5. Pressure Philip Rivers - Tomorrow, the Patriots will be bringing a lot of blitzers and using a lot of stunts, so it will be a good chance to pressure Rivers.  Watch Mike Vrabel, who is back in his more outside position.

Key Players To Watch - Chargers

1. Vincent Jackson, WR

2. Eric Weddle, S

3. Luis Castillo, DE

4. Marcus McNeill, T

5. Michael Turner, RB

Key Players to Watch - Patriots

1.  Donte Stallworth

2. Mike Vrabel

3. Ryan O’Callaghan

4. Laurence Maroney

5. Asante Samuel

Greg’s Prediction: Patriots 24 - Chargers 23.  I originally had the Chargers beating us, and although I think they may, I just think that the Patriots have so much to play for tomorrow.  A win, and media coverage turns our way, a loss, and things get worse.  Stephen Gostkowski game winning 47 yard field goal.

There hasn’t been much going on with the Pats this week in terms of actual football.  The whole cheating incident has covered up most other stories.  But I’ve tried my best to dig up all of the team’s happenings.

The most obvious is the injury report.  It has fluctuated throughout the week, but the most recent has only three players listed.  Tom Brady is listed under full participation, and probable.  Stephen Neal and Mike Wright are both listed as “limited participation” and questionable.  Interestingly, David Thomas is no longer on the injury report, which means he will likely play tommorow.  This also probably means that Marcellus Rivers will be released (again).

The Patriots also worked out two interesting free agent names this week.  One of them was David Greene, the former Seattle third round pick.  The other was Wali Lundi, the surpriseing 2006 rookie of the Texans.  I think Lundi would be a nice pickup, and David Greene could at least be on the practice squad.