Can the Super Chargers pull the upset?

[TennesseePackerBacker]

Maybe it's the kool-aid? Or it could be gambler in me(the pats are favored by 14). I believe, however, that the Chargers could very well beat the Pats this weekend.

First, what does it take to beat the Patriots?
1. Good pass rush, check
2. Consistent running game to control the game clock, check
3. Good ball-hawking secondary, check
4. A pro-bowl TE to stretch their old linebackers, check(only of Gates is healthy.)

Now let's factor in the weather, which will allow both running games to grind clock and defenses to tee off on the passer and press recievers. Seems like the perfect recipe for upset so far right?

Let's add in one more thing, the swagger.

The Chargers will be playing this game with a ton of confidence. They also owe the Patriots for last years humilation at home.

Honestly, I see the Patriots winning by a field goal, but the recipe is certainly there for upset and I for one will not be surprised.

p.s. the gambler in me will be pounding the chargers +14, you should do the same.

[GrnBay007]

With a point spread of 13.5, these guys picked:

Harmon - Pats
Prisco - Chargers
Judge - Pats
Davis - Pats
Richard - Pats

[Carolina_Packer]

I'll say this; if the Chargers win, it will be one of the greatest upsets in league history.

On the road
Facing an opponent with a perfect record
Elements possibly a factor
Beat up at the starting skill positions
Facing a coach who has done it multiple times vs. a coach who's only experienced the moment as a coordinator several years ago.

Again, that would be incredible. I would love to see it. I know there are some who disagree and I'm not trying to start something, but I don't think the Pats were punished enough for their coach flying in the face of a rules against the Jets in the first game. The commisioner's office gift-wrapped a tidy little punishment in order to move on and quell the controversy. $500K is a lot of money and losing a first round choice hurts too, but they have the 7th pick next year, so they are not really hurting. The $500K is not that big a deal to someone who is rich already. What should have happened, especially when the NFL sent a memo to all the team's about this specific thing, is that the Pats should have had to forfeit the game, which would have taken away their chance at perfection. That would have been far more punative to this team. To me, since the league didn't make the Pats forfeit the game, which they could have done, the only two things left are the Chargers and hopefully the Packers keeping them from perfection. I respect their ability, if not their ethics.

[The Leaper]

2 factors really work against the Chargers:

1. West coast bias...west coast teams that travel to the east coast to play games typically suffer a hangover effect. The record of west coast teams that made the 3 time zone leap was 5-13 or something similar this year.

2. Health...the Chargers are beat up. If everyone was closer to full strength, I'd give them more of a chance. LT will be well under 100%, and could easily reinjure himself. Rivers will have no mobility. Gates won't be at 100%. Tough to beat NE if your top offensive guys are all limping around.

That said, the Chargers defense will be the key. They are big at creating turnovers, and will need to continue that trends to stay with the Pats. If the Chargers can't create turnovers, they will be beat easily by 20+.

[GrnBay007]

I'll say this; if the Chargers win, it will be one of the greatest upsets in league history.

On the road
Facing an opponent with a perfect record
Elements possibly a factor
Beat up at the starting skill positions
Facing a coach who has done it multiple times vs. a coach who's only experienced the moment as a coordinator several years ago.

Again, that would be incredible. I would love to see it. I know there are some who disagree and I'm not trying to start something, but I don't think the Pats were punished enough for their coach flying in the face of a rules violation against the Jets in the first game. The commisioner's office gift-wrapped a tidy little punishment in order to move on and quell the controversy. $500K is a lot of money and losing a first round choice hurts too, but they have the 7th pick next year, so they are not really hurting. The $500K is not that big a deal to someone who is rich already. What should have happened, especially when the NFL sent a memo to all the team's about this specific thing, is that the Pats should have had to forfeit the game, which would have taken away their chance at perfection. That would have been far more punative to this team.

I agree. And I would LOVE to see them beat the Pats. I would even if it didn't determine who the Packers play when they beat the Giants.

I just don't see it happening though. ....never know though....that's why they play the game!!

[MJZiggy]

I'll say this; if the Chargers win, it will be one of the greatest upsets in league history.

On the road
Facing an opponent with a perfect record
Elements possibly a factor
Beat up at the starting skill positions
Facing a coach who has done it multiple times vs. a coach who's only experienced the moment as a coordinator several years ago.

Again, that would be incredible. I would love to see it. I know there are some who disagree and I'm not trying to start something, but I don't think the Pats were punished enough for their coach flying in the face of a rules violation against the Jets in the first game. The commisioner's office gift-wrapped a tidy little punishment in order to move on and quell the controversy. $500K is a lot of money and losing a first round choice hurts too, but they have the 7th pick next year, so they are not really hurting. The $500K is not that big a deal to someone who is rich already. What should have happened, especially when the NFL sent a memo to all the team's about this specific thing, is that the Pats should have had to forfeit the game, which would have taken away their chance at perfection. That would have been far more punative to this team.

I agree. And I would LOVE to see them beat the Pats. I would even if it didn't determine who the Packers play when they beat the Giants.

I just don't see it happening though. ....never know though....that's why they play the game!!

No argument from me...I totally agree.

[packinpatland]

Any Given Sunday

[oregonpackfan]

Any Given Sunday

Any Given Sunday--it just won't happen this Sunday.

If the Chargers beat the Patriots, I promise to do something totally degrading--like watch "The View" for a whole week!

[Scott Campbell]

I want a shot at the Patriots.

[Jerry Tagge]

Any Given Sunday

Any Given Sunday--it just won't happen this Sunday.

If the Chargers beat the Patriots, I promise to do something totally degrading--like watch "The View" for a whole week!

Well I hope you get your fill of Barbara Walters and Joy Behar next week.

[TennesseePackerBacker]

It can certainly happen, I'm predicting more of a Patriots close win, but the Chargers have a real chance.

[BallHawk]

I want a shot at the Patriots.

As do I. I didn't mind not going to Dallas, I actually didn't want to go to Dallas. But the Patriots- Bring 'em on.

The NFL wants Packers/Patriots. If you see any questionable calls in either games it could very well be because of what the NFL wants. A Pack/Pats SB would be revenue heaven for the NFL, as it would be a great matchup for the fans. Good vs. Evil. Undefeated vs. Cinderella.

[gbgary]

Re: Can the Super Chargers pull the upset?

Can the Super Chargers pull the upset?

in a word.............NO!



but that's what they said about denver in '97.

[twoseven]

The Patriots have been facing the 'can this team do it' scenario all year. None have done it. With SD's three best players on offense hurt I just don't see it, would be hard enough if SD was healthy. If we make it to the SB it'll be against the Pats. We are the only top team that the Pats have yet to face and beat this year in the league. Besides, as bad as the thought of getting spanked by NE is, doesn't anyone else wonder how we would hold up? Only one way to find out, like it or not.

[woodbuck27]

With a point spread of 13.5, these guys picked:

Harmon - Pats
Prisco - Chargers
Judge - Pats
Davis - Pats
Richard - Pats

OK Prisco went with 'the Chargers»' then it's 'the Pats'.