Los Angeles Chargers will flex on AFC on Saturday
By Ernie Padaon
Los Angeles Chargers will show the world why they are the number 1 seed in the AFC.
Saturday is going to be a huge test! We are fighting for the number 1 spot in the AFC and we are facing a team that is unconventional. They like to run the crap out of the footballball and pray to the Lord that they can pop something over the top of the defense when they least expect it. They lick their chops on defense and enjoy the challenge of stopping people.
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We are coming off of the emotional high of putting KC back in their place and luckily we were given a few days to settle right back into it. The work is not finished though and the Chargers have to keep pressing forward.
Our size on defense is going to get challenged. We would rather have teams look to pass the ball all over the yard. We are built for that. When someone is looking to play some smash mouth, will we be up for the test? We may not have the size, but we have the athleticism and intelligence to matchup with Baltimore. Derwin James is a beast and finds the football. Adrian Phillips seems to be in the opposing teams huddle on every play. This may be a game that Jahleel Addae actually shines! Did I really say that?
One of the biggest players that is coming back this week that nobody is talking about is Brandon Mebane. We are getting Melvin Gordon and Keenan Allen back on offense, but Mebane is someone that will help plug up the holes on defense and allow our back 7 to work. Put that big man in the middle and let him eat up blockers like I eat Captain Crunch Crunchberries! Facing off against Patrick Mahomes the week prior forced us to be disciplined up front.
On offense, the quarterback of the Ravens defense spent ages facing off against Philip Rivers in practice. Eric Weddle may be ancient and we all know that he never had the wheels, but his biggest asset on defense was his awareness and intelligence. That is why he stood head and shoulders above the rest and this is what made him a great safety for our team before he became salty. It is going to be a fun chess match up there.
Thank God we have Philip Rivers though! If we are talking about intelligence and awareness on a football field, we have the best sitting under center and running the offense. I know the Ravens have a stout defense, but our offense can move the ball against anyone. With all the weapons that Philip has at his disposal, we can move the ball all over the yard. Keenan Allen is back and Mike Williams is always ready to push off and go over the top for a touchdown. Yea…. he gets away with those push offs and I am all gravy with it.
Getting Melvin Gordon back on offense will be huge! I am sure we will get him involved in the running game, but his ability to catch passes is going to be key in moving the football. The Ravens have big defensive lineman that will look to clog up the run game and they mix up the pressure, but Melvin will find the spots on the outside or underneath that will get him huge chunks of yards. Philip will lean back on that horse and ride it all the way to the Super Bowl this year!
Both teams have something to fight for. We will have to play the game with that urgency. After we beat the Ravens, we can prep to see the Seahawks get us that number 1 seed.