LA Chargers 2020 opponent preview: New England Patriots

How the LA Chargers can beat the New England Patriots: Take risks and be efficient

I am throwing my bid in for this game to hit whatever the over/under is five months in advance. This is going to be a low-scoring game that is highlighted by a lot of field goals.

Both teams are very similar. They both have scrambling quarterbacks that have not been at their best for a few years that are looking to prove something. They also both have great defenses that are going to limit the chances of the other team.

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Tyrod Taylor has much better weapons than Cam Newton and on paper, the Chargers defense might be all-around better than New England. However, with the coaching in New England, I will give the slight edge to the Pats.

If the Chargers are going to win this game then Anthony Lynn is going to have to coach the boldest game of his career and take chances. You don’t beat Bill Belichick by letting the game come to you, you beat Bill Belichick by taking the game to him.

Go for it on fourth and short, pass up a mid-range field goal for more chances at the endzone, don’t be afraid to bring pressure on Newton and make him make a play.

The last time the Chargers played the Patriots they rolled out their old reliable cover 3 that worked so well against Baltimore and got shelled. They did not make adjustments quick enough and they did not take the risk of shying away from their identity.

This needs to be a game where Gus Bradley is putting his defense in various different looks and taking the risk of putting guys in spots that they might not be used to. On the offensive side of things, the Chargers need to play aggressively and force the Patriots to feel uncomfortable.