Week Six Preview
In a battle bewtween two of the top 5 offenses in the NFL New England travels to San Diego to square off against the 5-1 Chargers. San Diego has been lighting it up offensively, scoring 26.6 PPG, second to only the Patriots. The Chargers also much like New England have struggled on the defensive side of the ball, The Chargers are 23rd in overall D and 28th against the pass. In what is sure to be a shoot out, each team will have to win a few key matchups.
Key Match-ups:
Tom Brady is not his usual cool and collective self. Brady usually in the top 5 in virtually every passing category is only 7th in passer rating, 9th in TD's and 12th in completion percentage. The Patriots will need Brady to put up a lot of points if they want to win against the high flying Chargers.
- Patrick Chung vs Antonio Gates
The Patriots young safety has been playing at a pro-bowl level thus far this season, but is in for a big challenge this week with Antonio Gates. Gates is the premeir TE in the NFL and Chung will need to hold his own against the All-Pro if the Patriots plan on keeping up with San Diego.
Malcom Floyd vs Devin McCourty
The surprise player out of San Diego has been WR Malcom Floyd. Floyd is currently 3rd in the NFL in receptions only to Pats WR Wes Welker and Reggie Wayne. Floyd has added 496 yards to his 39 catches and 5 TD's and has been the Chargers best weapon, but McCourty has been playing shut down ball as of late. Despite the loss not a single catch was allowed by McCourty last week, as the only catch made by WR Anquan Boldin was in coverage by Patriots back up safety Myron Rolle who was released by the team on Monday.
Injury Report
New England
-Tom Brady-Shoulder (probable)
-Nick Kazur-Back (questionable)
-Mike Brown-Broken Collarbone (4 weeks)
-Brandon McGowan-Abdominal tear (IR)
-Ty Warren-Fractured Hip (IR)
-Leigh Bodden-Torn Rotator Cuff/Abdominal tear (IR)
San Diego
-Brandyn Dombrownski-Thumb (1 week)
-Donald Butler-ACL (IR)
Prediction:
Patriots-41
Chargers-35
In what proves to be the highest scoring game of the season, the Patriots out score the Chargers lead by Tom Brady's 5 TD passes and finally breaks out of his slump.
New England signed SS Josh Barrett to a 1 year 1.15m dollar deal.