Image Source: Bernd Buchmasser
Key Takeaways
- The New England Patriots need to be aggressive against the Los Angeles Chargers’ zone defense, which they use on 80.7% of plays.
- The Patriots must get the Chargers out of their comfort zone by using packages with six offensive linemen to counter their dime looks.
- Winning at the second level is crucial, as the Chargers have a weakness in the tackle department, missing 15.8% of tackle attempts.
- Setting the edge is vital to containing Justin Herbert and Omarion Hampton, who are dangerous when allowed outside the pocket.
- Challenging the Chargers’ offensive line, which has had stability issues, could be a key factor in deciding the game.
- Defending the slot, where Ladd McConkey operates, is essential, as he is a focal point in the Chargers’ attack.
Introduction to the Matchup
The New England Patriots are set to face off against the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild card playoffs, and it’s going to be a tough matchup. As Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel noted, "it’s a one-game season" now, and the team needs to bring their A-game to the prime time matchup on Sunday night. The Chargers have a formidable offense and one of the best defenses in the NFL, so the Patriots will need to be at the top of their game to come out on top. As the article states, "beating the Chargers takes more than just good individual performance, however. The Patriots also need to be able to succeed in some critical areas."
Aggressive Play Against Zone Defense
The Chargers are a zone defense team, using it on 80.7% of plays, and they have been successful with it, allowing a completion percentage of just 64.5% and giving up only seven touchdowns versus 16 interceptions. However, the Patriots have not been limited by zone coverage this season, with quarterback Drake Maye topping the league with a 74.9% completion rate and 9.2 yards per attempt against zone looks. As the article notes, "Maye is the type of player to find holes and exploit the zone looks he is likely to face at a high rate Sunday." Maye has been particularly impressive throwing deep, which could be an area of concern for the Chargers.
Getting the Chargers Out of Their Comfort Zone
The Chargers have been successful operating out of dime looks, using them on 23.3% of opponent dropbacks, which is the third-highest in the NFL. However, the Patriots have the tools to counter this and get the Chargers out of their comfort zone. They have recently started increasing the use of packages with six offensive linemen, which allows them to move some responsibilities around while remaining physical up front. As the article states, "those bigger sets and the run game advantages it creates could give New England some advantageous matchups unless Minter and company opt to adjust." This could be a key factor in the game, as the Patriots look to exploit the Chargers’ weaknesses.
Winning at the Second Level
The Chargers have a weakness in the tackle department, missing 15.8% of tackle attempts, which is the highest in the league. The Patriots, on the other hand, have a running back in Rhamondre Stevenson who is made to take advantage of those miscues. Stevenson gained 104 of his 131 total rushing yards after contact last week, and he and fellow RB TreVeyon Henderson have averaged a respective 6.9 and 7.2 average yards gained per missed tackle forced. As the article notes, "the Patriots need to win at the second level, where they can take advantage of the Chargers’ tackling issues." This could be a key area of the game, as the Patriots look to exploit the Chargers’ weaknesses.
Setting the Edge
Justin Herbert is a dangerous quarterback who can make plays outside of the pocket, and the Patriots will need to set the edge to contain him. Herbert ranked first in the NFL in scramble yards during the regular season with 469, and he also ranked third in passing yards on extended dropbacks with 599. As the article states, "the Patriots spoke about the dangers Justin Herbert presents on extended plays, be they scramble runs or passes." The Patriots will need to keep Herbert and running back Omarion Hampton, who is expected to play despite dealing with an ankle injury, inside by setting a hard edge versus the pass and the run.
Challenging the Offensive Line
The Chargers’ offensive line has had stability issues this season, using 18 unique combinations, the most in the NFL. This has led to Herbert being pressured on 268 of 619 dropbacks, the highest rate in the NFL. While Herbert has been able to make plays under pressure, throwing for 1,192 yards and 10 touchdowns, he has also thrown nine interceptions. As the article notes, "the Patriots’ performance against L.A’s makeshift O-line will go a long way toward deciding who will win the matchup between the two wild card opponents." The Patriots will need to challenge the Chargers’ offensive line and put pressure on Herbert to disrupt their offense.
Defending the Slot
The Patriots will also need to defend the slot, where Ladd McConkey operates. McConkey finished the regular season ranked first on the team in receiving yards and second in targets, receptions, and touchdowns, and he is expected to be a focal point in the Chargers’ attack. As the article states, "McConkey versus Marcus Jones looks like a key matchup for the Patriots." The Patriots will need to be able to slow down McConkey and limit his production if they want to come out on top.
https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-game-previews/118611/x-factors-chargers-nfl-wild-card-playoffs