This Patriots game is going to be tough to watch. As a draft junkie I wanted not one but two of the players the Patriots will face Saturday at Gillette, Tackle Joe Alt and Wide Receiver Ladd McConkey. Both were available when the Patriots either selected # 3 Drake Maye or traded out # 34 back to # 37 and took Mr. “ Best Hands in Football “ Ja’Lynn Polk . ( I warned you all , I fucking warned you. ) Now that being said Drake Maye has outperformed my, yours, and anyone’s expectations. Can he lead the Patriots to a victory on Saturday over a team in the hunt for a playoff spot ? If they turn the Keys , Yes he can.
Establish the Run
The Pats are going to need to establish the run early to set up play action to combat LA’s Zone defenses. Mayo and AVP need to get Antonio Gibson involved early and often in this week’s gameplan. Not only does Gibson give the Pats a more reliable set of hands ( cough ) he keeps the Chargers guessing as to what the Pats have up their sleeve. He’s faster to the edge and slippery up between the tackles. Can a brother get a wheel route ?
Play Action to Victory
The need here is to get their safeties to bite early on the run and open up the flat and mid range passing game. Drake Maye needs to exploit the middle of the field with curl and flat concepts. It’s going to be a yack city type of game plan. Flood one side of the field, stack your receivers and let them chew up yards after the catch. Exploit the backside linebackers with multi level crossers and move the chains.
Win The Turnover Battle
It was right in our face last week , The Pats turned this key and they beat the Bills. The Pats are giving up to many, 1.5 a game , this can not be the case Saturday.
Own third Down
The chargers for all their pluses are not great moving the chains converting on just 37% of their third down opportunities. Still better than the 35% the Pats are living, I mean dying on.
Limit The Laundry
LA is one of the least penalized teams on the league. Just over 5 a game. Take care of business and keep the flags to a minimum.
Load the Box
The Chargers want to run the ball. GOOD , just for a change let’s stop it. Last week’s win over the Broncos was an aberration for this Chargers team. The sling it days of Keenan Allen and Mike Evans are long gone. A low scoring game plays into the Pats hands. Now you just need to stuff J.K Dobbins and his Fullback Scott Matlock , force them to be one dimensional.
Never give up on a Good thing
After getting the Chargers where you want them in second and third and long , The Patriots DB’s need to stick to their man and play to the whistle. Hebert is at his best when in play action DON’T BITE, and extending plays, finding the DB who slipped up or fell asleep. Stay in Ladd McConkey’s pocket , do not lose track of Quinton Johnson ( 8 TD ) and Will Dissly. Who all have big play 20+ yrd ability.
Thats it my rabid readers , West Coast team fighting for a playoff bid but has to come east play an early game on a short week ? could be a statement game for this young crew. But it’s been a while since this group has put together back to back good efforts. If they turn the Keys they win, it could come down again to the weeklies.
As always you can follow / give me grief on Twitter or Bluesky @Tmurph207
