- . Digg It
- . Sphere It
- . E-mail This
- . Save to del.icio.us
- . Permanent Link
Why San Diego Wins
A stout defense and balanced offense ought to spur upset
I've been a bit less enthused about the Chargers after the Patriots' Randy Moss had those charges leveled against him. Whether you think he's guilty or not — I happen not to think so: Where's the police report? — the New England wide-out will bring an extra measure of effort on Sunday.
But, interestingly enough, San Diego defensive back Antonio Cromartie (see video's 3:20 mark) is capable of opening a can of negation on any Moss surge. That's why I love football, for its match-ups.
The Chargers' defense is rough and physical. That quality makes up, somewhat, for Bill Bellichick's advantage in coaching chops over Norv Turner. (More on that tomorrow.) It's exactly the sort of defense that can give New England's offense trouble. Moss does not enjoy being roughed up, and that's the 6'2", 203-pound defensive back's stock in trade.
San Diego's Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips are big, athletic, scuffling linebackers, just the kind of pressuring core the otherwise awesome Tom Brady struggles with. (No knock on Brady; there's not a QB in the league who can work behind an over-matched offensive line — not now that Mike Vick is in jail.) This ain't the undersized, built-for-speed Colts. When the Chargers lost to New England in September, the team was still struggling with a new set of coaching schemes. Now they've jelled and look stout from stem to stern. Phillip Rivers is my new favorite player. It's awesome how he gives it to the fans.
But, interestingly enough, San Diego defensive back Antonio Cromartie (see video's 3:20 mark) is capable of opening a can of negation on any Moss surge. That's why I love football, for its match-ups.
The Chargers' defense is rough and physical. That quality makes up, somewhat, for Bill Bellichick's advantage in coaching chops over Norv Turner. (More on that tomorrow.) It's exactly the sort of defense that can give New England's offense trouble. Moss does not enjoy being roughed up, and that's the 6'2", 203-pound defensive back's stock in trade.
San Diego's Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips are big, athletic, scuffling linebackers, just the kind of pressuring core the otherwise awesome Tom Brady struggles with. (No knock on Brady; there's not a QB in the league who can work behind an over-matched offensive line — not now that Mike Vick is in jail.) This ain't the undersized, built-for-speed Colts. When the Chargers lost to New England in September, the team was still struggling with a new set of coaching schemes. Now they've jelled and look stout from stem to stern. Phillip Rivers is my new favorite player. It's awesome how he gives it to the fans.
What People Are Saying…
Leave a Comment
14:16 EST, 18.Jan.08
19:38 EST, 17.Jan.08