OPEN THREAD: Chargers vs. Patriots

Joey Bosa and the Los Angeles Chargers travel to New England to face Tom Brady and the Patriots in Week 8. Chat with other Chargers fans on the open thread while watching the game.

This is an underrated game. The Chargers have stormed back, ripping off three straight wins after an 0-4 start. They play the Super Bowl Champion Patriots, who are on a three-game winning streak of their own.

I’ve said it before: If the Chargers lose this game, the season isn’t over. The AFC has been all over the place that the Bolts have as good a chance as any team (except the lowly Browns).

But a win? Man, that would be HUGE. What a statement that would make to beat arguably the best team in the AFC on their own turf.

The Chargers have lost six of their last seven contests against the Pats, including two playoff losses (2006 and 2007 seasons). Philip Rivers has never beaten Tom Brady, as the Chargers’ last win against New England (2008 season) was vs. Matt Cassel, who was filling in for an injured Brady. The Patriots’ top-ranked offense will go up against the top pass-rushing tandem in Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram (don’t forget about Chris McCain who has five sacks of his own). Meanwhile, the Chargers’ struggling offense will face a Patriots team that ranks dead last in passing defense. Time to unleash first-round receiver Mike Williams??

That said, let’s see who’s inactive for the Chargers:

Our #LACvsNE inactives:

QB C. JonesWR G. DavisRB A. WilliamsT T. MarzT J. BarksdaleTE S. CulkinDE J. Attaochu

— #LACvsNE (@Chargers) October 29, 2017

Melvin Gordon is set to go after being limited in practices with a foot injury. Right tackle Joseph Barskdale will miss his third game of the season (second straight). Barksdale’s backup, Michael Schofield, played well in his absence, but the overall depth of the offensive line is concerning. Remember, Dan Feeney will make his first NFL start at left guard after Matt Slauson tore his biceps in last week’s game. Corey Liuget, who missed last week’s game with a sore back, is back in the lineup. Him being active likely meant Jerry Attaochu being inactive, but I’m a bit surprised Attaochu is a healthy scratch after making an impact in last week’s game.

Meanwhile, the Patriots are pretty banged up. They will be without two defensive starters, linebacker Dont’a Hightower and defensive tackle Malcom Brown. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore (concussion/ankle) is also out for the third straight game. Wide receiver Danny Amendola, who was questionable, is active.

Alright Chargers, let’s see what this team is made of!