OPEN THREAD: Chargers vs. Buccaneers
By Matt Pagels
Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers (5-6) host Jameis Winston and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5). Here is the open thread.
After starting the season 1-4, the Chargers are on the verge of getting back to .500. They took down the first-place Texans last week, giving Houston its first home loss of the season. Now, the red-hot Buccaneers come to town.
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The Buccaneers are coming off huge wins against the Seattle Seahawks (Week 12) and Kansas City Chiefs (Week 11). Their offense is clicking, with Winston and star receiver Mike Evans are forming into quite the duo. They have a good running back in Doug Martin, too. Their defense isn’t that scary (even though they allowed only five points to the Seahawks last week), but what could potentially make-or-break the game is their front seven. They have a very good defensive line that features Gerald McCoy, Noah Spence and Robert Ayers–and that’s not even mentioning one of the better linebackers in the game, Lavonte David.
Meanwhile, the Chargers’ defense is being led by rookie Joey Bosa. Bosa has been one of the most disruptive forces in the NFL.
The most total pressures of any player in NFL in past 10 years after 8 games is 34.@Chargers Joey Bosa has 38…after his first 7 games.
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) November 30, 2016
Look for Bosa and the rest of the Chargers’ D to put pressure on Winston and force turnovers. We know corner Casey Hayward, who is leading the league in interceptions coming into this week, is itching for another.
We’re still waiting on inactives, but Brandon Flowers (concussion) and Jatavis Brown (knee) are unlikely to play after missing this week’s practice. Wide receiver Tyrell Williams, who is dealing with a shoulder injury, is the name to keep an eye on. He only practiced once this week and was limited in that practice. San Diego Union-Tribune’s Michael Gehlken did say Williams “feels good.”
Chargers WR Tyrell Williams (shoulder) upbeat after first practice of week. Worked in brace. Not too restrictive. "It feels normal to me."
— Michael Gehlken (@sdutGehlken) December 2, 2016
In other news, Chargers fans should have their eyes on several games today. Fans should be rooting against Buffalo (vs. Oakland), Miami (vs. Baltimore), Denver (vs. Jacksonville) and Kansas City (vs. Atlanta). Pittsburgh (vs. N.Y. Giants) should be rooted against as well.
There are only five games remaining on the year. Let’s get on a roll and make a late push. BOLT UP.