New England Enemy Profile: Los Angeles Chargers

The statistics can prove it, games that the Patriots were supposed to lose, they’ve won. The games they’re supposed to win, they lose. The back and forth battle to get above .500 has been a struggle for New England. Last week’s win against Arizona proved that this team is not tanking. Cam Newton has continued to struggle ever since he was diagnosed with COVID-19 in October. Cornerback, Stephon Gilmore has not been the same player as he was last year after winning defesive Player of the Year. A Lot of things are different from last year but what has remained the same is this, winning games is the most important thing.

Know Your Enemy

Let’s get to know the Los Angeles Chargers and what to expect come Sunday afternoon:

Rookie QB Justin Herbert has made the best of his opportunity. The Chargers wanted to ease Herbert into the starting quarterback role but after Tyrod Taylor suffered a punctured lung, Justin was forced into action. Herbert has played quite well throwing for a total of 3,015 yards already this season. Wide Receivers Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Jalen Guyton have made the transition from college to pro easier for Hebert. After being injured for over two months, Running Back Austin Ekeler returned in the Chargers 27-17 loss in Buffalo. With Ekeler being back, New England will have to plan on him not only running the ball, but also him catching the ball out of the backfield.

Defensively, Los Angeles has struggled to keep teams off the scoreboard and to stay healthy. Melvin Ingram, Asmar Bilal, and Derwin James have all been placed on IR. Linebacker Denzel Perryman will be questionable for this weekend’s game. One constant on this defense is Defensive End, Joey Bosa. Bosa has 7.5 sacks on the 2020 season. Most teams have been double-teaming Bosa, but he still causes problems. The Patriots have a big opportunity once again to get back to .500, will they do it? We will have to watch and find out!

–Robert Marcello is a Staff Writer for Full Press Coverage and covers the New England Patriots. Follow him on Twitter @RobertMarcello5