10 Ways the Chargers Can Beat the Patriots

Can’t wait for your article about the 1001 ways the Patriots can beat the Chargers.

Not strange that you don’t have a wife.

Screw you, Patrick. I think the Chargers have a legitimate chance at stopping Brady and the Pats. They match up really well, dude.

Must be a colt’s fan and most likely one of those idiots at the RCA dome booing little annie

Hey man, I’m all for discussion about why/how the Chargers can beat the Pats, but…

“their offense looks like Madden on easy mode…”

Seriously? The top rated offense in the NFL is Madden on easy mode? And you’re saying this with Rivers as the Charger’s QB? Really? Yeah…all those records the Pats broke, totally Easy Mode.

Oh wait, I’m sorry, this article was satire, my bad. Very sneaky, Ryan Day, you fooled me!

Well, your number two is a weak argument. 52 and 67 yard rushing performances are not what made Philadephia and NYG close games. Parker rushed for 124 when Pittsburgh lost and that was not a close game.
Also, not mentioning Antonio Gates as his own number is an oversight. While Rivers does need to play well, he needs to throw the ball to Gates to have a chance of beating the Patriots. What better way to stretch the linebackers than trying to make them cover Gates and the backs as much as possible.
Most of the other points are good though.

Brent,

When I say “looks like Madden on Easy Mode” I mean that the Patriots are not a physically-dominating team.

When you watch a Pats game you are watching one of the smoothest teams in NFL history. But they are not a grind-it-out kind of team that can win in cold/bad weather games. I don’t think they could have beaten the Packers this past Saturday in the blizzard at Lambeau.

They spread the field, throw behind the sticks and the receivers get first downs on YAC. It’s a great formula and plays to the strengths of everyone on that team, but the fact remains that they don’t win their games with physicality…they win their games because Tom Brady is their quarterback. That’s it.

You could apply Nos. 1-10 to any team trying to beat any other team. Stop the pass; stop the run; establish the pass; alternate pass and run; get physical… get real, try.

But that’s how general you have to get to beat the Patriots, because when you take away the long pass, they short pass and run you to death. When you hit them on the line of scrimmage they run center screens and hitches, or load up one side with three receivers.

The simple fact is the one thing the Patriots’ D does well—stop their opponents’ best player and make the team play outside its comfort zone—does NOT work against the Patriots, because they have too many options. Stop Moss, and Stallworth and Welker and Gaffney are off to the races. Oh, and that guy Maroney who has three or four straight 100 yard games.

I do agree they win their games because Tom Brady is their quarterback. And because he trusts the entire rest of his well-coached team to execute.

And that’s what it will be on Sunday. An execution.

Pats are bad at covering spreads? Talk about hand picking stats. If they covered every spread this year this clown would be complaining about the Pats “running up the score” as we’ve heard so much in the first half of the season.

Here’s #12: throw a useless lineman out there, pick up Brady, drop him on his shoulder to break it. That should increase your chances exponentially.

Moron

“enjoy a nice win by Brett Favre over the Chargers” hahahahaha

Patriot-haters are funny.

Jim, all the dude said was that he was sure the Chargers would cover the spread. That’s not even what his article is about…it was just something he noticed.

And…

I like the list…but the Chargers are just the last step until the Patty boys get to the Super Bowl. Sorry, Ryan. Looks like your list is for nothing.

I think it’s really sad when even someone in the professional aspect (media) talks about actually needing to inflict broken bones purposefully on an opposing player. Is that what your mother taught you about fair play and healthy competition?

Nice editing on step 9. “They’re defense is overrated…” Shouldn’t that be “Their defense…”? Of course that fits in with the rest of the logic of the article. See you in Arizona.

the pats cant win in bad weather it new england numbskull

Funny how when someone writes on emotion they cherry pick their information. There is one simple piece of information that you omitted. These teams played once already this year. The score? 38-14. I think the Pats covered the spread.

Cryan Day, you are just sooooo wrong.
It’s easy to hate winners ‘cause you’re such a loser.

pats have too many weapons to be stopped
only way they are going to lose if they make
mistakes and turn the ball over many times
the coach is a master in getting their team ready for a big game
trust me the chargers will have to play a perfect game to end up in the superbowl this year

Can you follow up with a column on how pigs will fly and how a snowball can survive in hell? I am very interested to hear your theories on those things. Maybe explain Arae 51 to me also. You list things that yes, in theory if the Chargers can do them, might, and I say again, MIGHT lead to victory. And yet no team before them were able to do a combination of any of those things. Haters like you should not be allowed to spew their venom publicly, but I guess that is what freedom of speach gets us.

I sit and read all these stories about how to beat the Patriots and it makes me wonder, do people really want thier team to win..or just watch the Pats lose? What have we become in this country? You all seem to walk around waiting for someone to fail..let’s not forget this is just a game..I am a life long Pats fan and when my Pats got popped out last year I was not sitting back hoping other teams would lose, in fact (i know i shouldn’t say this after they booed the little girl) but I was actually rooting for Peyton to win, not cuz i wanted another team to lose but because he was playing well last year and deserved to win. Why can’t people just sit back and watch as the history making Pats finish off thier season…funny thing is, with all they have done this year and in the past 8 years, if they don’t win the superbowl, folks will sit back and say “they sucked”..or ” it was a fluke” and if they win…i hope to god someone take the champaigne and cigar out of Don shula’s mouth and cram them up his ass. But if they lose..lets just remember during this season how well they played..and how many records they set..in fact the amount of records they set..is a record itself, so please don’t sit there and tell me that they suck.

How’s it feel to hate?
How long has “Sports Central” been using kids write their columns?

Hate them if you must, but agree that what they have accomplished this year is something any team should be proud of. They are unselfish, cohesive, without disharmony on the team, and never trash talk their opponents, and grasp the concept that there is no “I” in team. 17-0 and 2 to go. Good luck Pat’s. Enjoy the ride.

Patriots get creamed by the press and fans everywhere for “running up” the score in the early part of 2007 season.

To stifle criticism they back off the big scores and what happens, - idiots like Day say they have tough time over last seven games.

I hope the Pats show him some serious firepower for ALL four quarters.

Thanks for the incentives Day -

Good luck to you, Ryan. I agree w/Patrick. I can’t wait to see your next article. And yeah- no surprise you’re not married. You can’t even give credit where credit’s due; how the hell is anyone supposed to respect or honor your totally biased, irrational and just plain ‘ol moronic list? You’re an idiot.

Hey Ryan, haven’t you learned anything from that “messing with Sasquatch” commercial?

What is wrong with achievment.? You hate the Pats? All you do is spread what is destroying this country.

Can the chargers win? Yes, But the only way will be if the pats beat themselves. I am happy to say this time next week you will be giving 10 way the packers will beat the pats. Give me your mailing address, so I can send you a crying towel.

Day,

yOU SAID IT ALL. You hate Brady, Bellicheck, and the Patriots. You have no credibility with anyone. If you new the fisrt thing about football, you would have to look at this Patriots Dynasty and marvel about what has been accomplished in the salary cap era. The Steelers, Cowboys, Packers, 49ers all had eras where they dominated. This is the era of the Patriots, get used to it. IM a Ravens fan, and anyone who truly loves footbal can not HATE Brady, Bellichek and the PAts because what they have done and are doing is truly amazing. Brady may go down in history as the best QB of all time. As of today, is is in the top 5 of all time. Bellichek, when it is all said and done, will have people questioning the re-naming of the Lombardi trophy.

Dream on Ryan….You’ll get to Wonderland. The Chargers will need to do at least 5 of the 10 to have a chance of winning. In reality with the weather being what it will be in New England (10 degrees) and with Rivers and Tomlinson banged up its not likely to happen. Lets break them down in relation to the ability to accomplish them.
1 - River’s Rythym - This defense has enough smarts, physical ability and complexity to let this happen.
2 - Run Run - Andrew is right - its a very weak argument.
3- Time of possession - Everyone knows this doesn’t necessariy win games. Offenses can score quickly to tip the scales the other way.
4- Interceptions - C’Mon, Brady throws so very few. What are the odds of even two in a game? 1.4% of his passes are intercepted.
5- Hit Brady hard - If’ you’ve been paying attention, this offensive line doesn’t allow him to get hit. Besides, he’s much tougher than he looks. He hasn’t missed a game since taking over for Drew Bledsoe. Remember him?
6- Lengthen Brady’s field - Won’t make much difference with the offense they have. It might take an extra couple minutes to get down the field, that’s all.
7- Punish receivers - also ineffective-Too many good receivers that have stayed injury free all year despite making all those catches. Welker and Moss have 210 catches between them and no injuries.
8- Get into Patriots heads - Each team has tried this and its ineffective. This team is loaded with veterans who’ve been under pressure many times. Belichick is the absolute best at keeping them focussed.
9- Show that they are more physical - You don’t win 17 straight in the NFL without being physical. Its the essence of the game. The Pats cannot be intimidated.
10-Cinderalla season - Its perfect, You and Cinderella in Wonderland together.
11- Beat the Patriots - Its obvious your hate for the Patriots is clouding your ability to be rational. Have some humble pie on Sunday, sleep on it and write an article Monday that gives credit where credit is due. I know you hate to admit it but yes, the Patriots are that good.

Most of this list comes under the heading of “Unfollowable Advice.” It’s like the surefire way to make millions on Wall Street: buy low, sell high. Sure, the only problem is actually DOING it….
Take one example, point #2. Here’s what that “overrated” Patriots defense did last weekend to Jacksonville. The Jags came into that came with a load of media thunder about their tremendous running game, second best in the league. Well, those two unstoppable RBs, Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. TOGETHER gained 66 yards against that “overrated” defense. What other defense in the NFL has held them to that? In that game, Laurence Maroney of the Pats gained 122 yards, more than double the total for the Jags Terrific Two, all by his lonesome. Please. When you don’t know what you are talking about the proverb is that it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubt.

Alan - Nice analysis. I agree with most of what you said, except the interceptions thing. As much as I understand Brady is efficient and doesn’t throw INTs, that is one of the only ways the Chargers will stand a chance and though it is unlikely, if it is accomplished, they will stand a chance. For example, if the chargers rush for 120 yards, big deal, if they hit Brady, it won’t matter, if they are physical wit h the receivers it won’t matter, if they get into the Patriots heads it will backfire, but if they can pull off a couple of interceptions, that will definitely help the cause, however unlikely that may be.

Ryan-

Please read Jeremy Green’s article on the Jags/Pats game;
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs07/columns/story?columnist=green_jeremy&id=3187786
Sound familiar??? Again, laying out an obvious plan and then actually executing it are far different; hence the Pats are 17-0….do the Chargers have a chance? Of course they do. Like the line in “Dumb & Dumber”….”So what are the chances?”….”One in a million”…..”So what you are saying is I have a chance!!!”

Day, you talks as though your stuck in the Night..dark as a boot and can’t see what your writing on the page! PATS will cover the spread this week and then you’ll have to write in the dark again about the only way to beat this PATRIOTS team is ….wait for it!…score more points if you can!

I agree with the interceptions thing…really the best (actually I can’t think of another) way to beat the Pats is to throw picks.

But I also agree with Ryan when he says that it’s naive to think Brady will have a terrible night in a game of some importance. You’ve got to lengthen his field. I think winning the small battles like special teams and penalties is how the Pats will be stopped.

i can’t wait until the Chargers pull it off…i really can’t…

I thought sports writers were supposed to be objective.He writes he hates Brady and Belechick?That alone should get him off this platform and back to writing out of his mother’s basement….

Did you hate the Yankees also when they were unstoppable??. Do you always root for the underdog. How could anyone really hate this team . I dont understand . Tom Brady is a class act that works for a class organization . Alot of people hated the Celtics in the 60s for no reason also . I think its time you become a Pats Fan and learn to go thru life with a permanent smile on your face tks

Michael, yea the score may have been 38-14, but you know well as I do that my Chargers are nowhere near the team they are today that they were then. That was Week 2, douche. No team is the same seventeen weeks apart.

I think they CAN do all the things on the list…now, whether or not they will is a different story. I expect it to be much closer game, I expect the Chargers to do a lot of what this list says and I expect the Chargers to win by four.

Tom Brady’s a class act? Wasn’t he the one spouting that he didn’t just want to beat his opponents…he wanted to kill them?

Oh yea…and bastard sons are legitimately classy.

*having bastard sons

This list is ridiculous. As pointed out, apply it against any team, any week. But here’s the thing, while hating Belichick and Brady and hating the bad ol’ Patriots, you’re encouraging dirty playing and what sounds like illegal hits. It figures you hate the Pats - they are respectful to ALL of their opponents, focused, and actually rather humble in (their many) victory. As a longtime fan of the Patriots, I can only assume it’s jealousy that motivates people like you. This team is beloved and admired by its fans, and they deserve to be.

They can’t win Without LT

becky,

except to mangini…right? haha!

i’m glad the three dozen pats fans here at sports central were able to come in and show their asses to the world…but the fact remains, the chargers have a legitimate shot at ruining all of this for the patriots and as ryan says, it starts with getting phillip rivers into a rhythm, making interceptions and winning the field position game.

I’m not encouraging illegal hits or dirty play. I’m discouraging shoulder tackles and shoving runners out of bounds. The only way a defense can equalize an offense that is superior in athletic ability is by countering it with your physicality.

If the Chargers match up so well, what happened in the first game? History, or did you forget what the Patriots did to the Chargers earlier this year? They will give what they can afford to let the Chargers have. LT won’t break 75 yards and Rivers will crumble and cry when he gets heckled by the NE fans. BEST TEAM EVER and you are just JEALOUS!

You’re flat wrong about (among other points) the physicality of the Patriots. The dominant play of their Offensive Line translates into more time for Brady to find open receivers. These guys aren’t using tricks, even though they employ great technique; they’re simply out-muscling defenses left and right. Everyone has been saying that the defense needs to “get to” Tom Brady…well, why hasn’t anyone been successful at this strategy? Check the O-Line again.

[Also, having quicker, faster receivers could be defined as superior ‘physicality’, too, but I’ll let someone else bash you for that error]

Boy are you jealous!!!
And you must be a Yankee fan too.
I know it must piss off people the New England teams are soooo good. Hey,what can we say but the Patriots,Red Sox and Celtics coaches know how to pick their team members that play excellent.PROUD to be a fan! Enjoying wearing the 16-0 t-shirt and can’t wait to wear the 19-0 one! Chargers are beatable,remember the first game? Many people hate “B & B & Co.” for their perfection,like that bothers them——-NOT!
***********GO PATS-you rock*************

What do you Drink?

ya and I bet you have Tampa Bay winning the world series next year.

I’ll let you borrow my handkerchief to wipe the egg off your faces when the Chargers walk out of Massachusetts on Sunday with a win.

Laura,

I drink Caucasians. You?

To New England Fan Forever -
Yes people hate B & B & Company because they have a shot (and a good one) at perfection. But there are other reasons people hate everything about the Patriots. One is they are not humble about anything. They’re cocky and arrogant in many ways and that is something people hate about sports figures.
People also hate them because they were caught cheating, well at least the coaching staff was. I can’t say Brady cheated.
Also because they’re jerks and they seem barely human both in talent and in personality.
There are many more reasons I’m sure to hate the Patriots, as many people posting on this site have seen and I’m sure will be willing to share.

do people really want the chargers to win or do the sad sacks just want the Patriots to lose that much that they will jump on the Charger bandwagon and hate the best…what happens if the Chargers win? do you hate them in the Superbowl becuase they are the better team? or do you sit back in your broken recliner and feel good about yourself becuase now someone feels as bad as you do??

Andrew- where the hell did YOU come from? Arrogant and cocky? Are you alright? Guess they should take a lesson from mr. humble pie LT. You’re an idiot, too.
Barely human in talent and personality? What the hell is wrong with you?

And Ryan- you are SO going to be eating your smack talk come Monday.
You should definitely return to your mother’s basement because you do not belong here.

A ‘Moma watch me’ article!

Another whine producing country heard from.

To cls - I’m a writer for this site, that’s where I came from. Where to you come from?I didn’t say anything about LT being humble or more humble than Tom Brady, or even less hatable.
I’m telling you why people have told me they hate the Patriots, I’m sorry if you have a problem with people saying their opinions.
Barely human in talent is a compliment.
Perhaps you should make a point in posting instead of just bashing people who do make points.

I hear a lot of comments about the Pats winning in Week 2 and that the Chargers are a different team now….what about the fact that we did not have Richard Seymour, Rodney Harrison or Laurence Maroney for that game, The Chargers will be facing a different Patriots team also, one that I feel is better suited to beating the Chargers than the one we fielded in September. As far as Rivers getting in rhythm….walking on a sprained knee in the cold in New England is hard, never mind trying to play football on one — we will see how long he lasts — if he even starts

I guess you are not from Boston. Think of 10 years ago when the Pats struggled to get fans into the stadium. One could get tickets the morning of the game because nobody cared to go and if they went they went for the fights in the stadium not on the field.

It is about time that Boston fans had something to cheer about when it comes to the Pats. (can’t forget the Red Sox). You are just jealous that your team could not have the same season the Pats have had and as a Boston native, I am proud of the accomplishments the Pats have made and damn it, it is about time.

Oh yeah, can the Chargers win in 16 degrees, negative 20 with the wind chill? I DON’T THINK SO!!!!

The stars have aligned in New England and we are enjoying the winning after having supported our teams through thick and thin forever…most people/fans don’t get that…do you take into consideration players like Bruschi, Robt Edwards, Junoir Seau who make the extra effort all the time to play the game they love and help the team win…along with the Tom Brady’s (drafted in 6th round!!!) who had the confidence to keep it coming…I’m sick of the critics, and whiners like LT who may not show up on game day…Bring it on, Chargers, and polish your golf clubs, ‘cause we know what you’ll be doing next week…GO PATS!!!!

anyone who thinks the Pats will lose must be on coke. double digit win!!!

Good night!
Ryan Day.
Good night!
You must be dreaming.
When you wake up Monday your wife and kids will not even be a memory.

Rachel, for it to be 16 degrees and negative 20 with the windchill, the wind would have to be blowing at 169 miles per hour.
Is there a hurricane about to hit the New England area?

here’s the thing
I love the Patriots, but I think I’m pretty objective. Those of us who congratute the team for its accomplishments and also who thank the team for a million thrilling moments this season, and for past seasons, win oe lose, - it’s hard to imagine that so many people actively wish harm - loss- upon the Pats - Truly, though a Pats fan, I can say that this patriots team has always respected their teammates and their opponents. They have never disparaged another team, which is what makes me wonder where these “fans” who think the Pats are arrogant get their info. When have they been arrogant or cocky? Which team have they ever dismissed/ Their success largely comes from the idea that any team they play has strengths, and that they need to recognize and respond to them. I’m not sure when the acknowledgement of the other guy’s strengths became “arrogance”.
Byt, as a homey girl, I say GO PATS!!! I love this team and I thank them for all of their contributions to New England, most of them not at all related to football. they give to our regon and make us all stronger for it . Thank you Patriots.. Best of luck!!!!

Didn’t mommy ever tell you that you can only hate someone you once loved. Do you personally know Belichick or Brady to hate them? You want them to lose so bad that you babble nonsense. All you critics and Patriots haters seethe at the thought that they have accomplished what one other team has. The Patriots did it with the whole salary cap issue. Get a life.

Sure, the Chargers COULD do all those things and win, but more than likely, you’ll be talking about how the Packers COULD beat the Pats. Then you’d actually be able to make an argument for that.

Also, the Pats have been ugly and dirty all year. See Vince Wilfork gouge Brandon Jacob’s eye? Check it out. Going for it on 4th down up by 40 or whatever, get real! To say this team is great is one thing, but to suggest that this team has any class is a completely different thing.

Hey Matt,
What arem you talking about?
What’s been ugly and dirty? going for it on 40/ Wilfork eye thing? I saw the Wifork thing and wasd surprised - not good..but how many games are there/ You can only find one or two things like this - I have watche devery Patriots game - I think - and I can honestly say, more often than not, penalties against the Patriots are not called. One of the reasons I’m so proud of this team is that they don’t complain, they take the penalties, don’t grouse about the penalties not called which should have been, and go on to play and win.
How can you not respect this twam?

one word. Choke. The chargers are going to choke.

Patrick = even if you were ONLY 10 % tongue - in - cheek ( ? head - up - butt ) ; didn’t your Daddy warn you about not entering a battle of the wits showing up empty handed ? Patriots Rule !

This article is very poorly written by someone who does not understand football. The Patriots have more talent, experience and better coaching and should win this game. They have proven over and over again that they can prepare better than most teams and make the necessary adjustments late in the game to win. The spread is irrelevant. The pressure factor is irrelevant. Winning is what matters. Given how the Patriots have been playing other teams towards the end of the season, the spread is probably too high and a closer game can be expected against a very good Chargers football team. Expect a very physical game, even though the Patriots have some older players and the some of the Chargers players are hurt. The outcome may come down to how the game is played on the line of scrimmage. While everyone will be watching Brady, Moss, LT, and Rivers, it is often the players on the line and on special teams whose names people sometimes forget who make the biggest difference in these contests. And quality of their play often depends on the depth and skill of the coaching staff.

There is nothing prouder than being a New England Fan! They have guts!
I live in California but my heart will always be with the Patriot’s. Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins……

They have heart!