The Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots will do battle in the AFC Divisional Round led by two future Hall of Fame quarterbacks.
Seeing as how theLos Angeles Chargershad failed to make the playoffs seven out of the last eight years,Philip Riversknows the time is now to win with the window slowly closing on his career.
Fortunately for the Chargers, they were able to respond well last week with a dominating 23-17 win against the Baltimore Ravens.
Rivers threw for a paltry 160 yards, averaging just five yards per attempt. However, he was able to manage the game efficiently due to the fact that the Chargers’ defense was able to stifleLamar Jacksonfor most of the game.
With the win on the road, the Chargers now face the New England Patriots in Foxborough on Sunday.
Rivers will face off againstTom Brady, who he is 0-7 against lifetime. Rivers knows this will be a tough challenge as the Patriots have been to seven consecutive AFC Championship games. The Patriots have an elite quarterback with championship pedigree to go along with their coach Bill Belichick.
Although this time the Patriots do not look like the Patriots of old. They have had a hobbledRob Gronkowskithroughout the whole year and how effective he will be on Sunday is unknown.
Furthermore,Josh Gordonis no longer with the team due to substance abuse and rookie running backSony Michelhas battled knee problems since the middle of the season.
The Patriots are not the only ones who have their injury woes as Chargers star running backMelvin Gordonhas been battling ankle and leg problems during the latter part of the football year.
Luckily, the Chargers have two capable running backs behind him who can lighten the load inAustin Ekelerand rookieJustin Jackson.
Rivers needs to step up this week as he knows he will need to throw for more yards and score more points in this game against the Patriots. He will need to utilize the middle of the field withKeenan Allenand take advantage of the deep ball with his other receivers.
If Rivers can keep the mistakes down, and the offensive line can protect him, the Los Angeles Chargers will have a good chance at knocking off the Patriots.
One key matchup that I would like to highlight is rookie safetyDerwin Jamesagainst Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. Derwin James has been nothing short of spectacular this year as he has been all over the field, making an impact in various ways for the Chargers defense.
If he is able to neutralize or limit Gronkowski in the passing game, this will only boost the Los Angeles Chargers chances of upsetting the New England Patriots.
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