The Empire Strikes Back
By: Connor Mullen
After a bumpy regular season, can Tom Brady and the New England Patriots turn it around in the postseason?
Another year, another playoff appearance by the Patriots. Emperor Belichick and Darth Brady are back in the postseason in hopes to claim another Super Bowl that could once again cement them as the greatest dynasty in the history of football. Every year seems to be the same for New England; they end up starting off slow -this year even losing to the terrible Jacksonville Jaguars- and members of the media typically ask if Tom Brady is finally done and showing his age. Throw in an injury to Gronk practically every season and Belichick and the Patriots seem to have their backs against the wall. Yet somehow, they end up winning the very easy and uncompetitive AFC East and find themselves in the playoffs. This year was no different. They did start off slow, even going 1-2 while losing to perennial dumpster fires such Jacksonville and the Detroit Lions. Then, they won 6 straight games and ended the season at 11-5, solid but below their typically exceptional standard. However, this Patriots team seemed to be a little different then years past. Tom Brady didn't seem quite as sharp. The defense was lacking with the loss of Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia. Even Bill Belichick seemed to smile more often, which means something is definitely wrong. Also, Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots incredible but injury-prone tight end, was limited to 3 touchdowns all year due to ongoing toe and back injuries. However, the Pats did have some breakout stars. Rookie Sony Michel led the team in rushing and filled the hole at running back to take pressure off the passing game. A mid-season trade brought Josh Gordon from Cleveland to New England and he made an impact right away being in second in receiving yards behind Edelman, despite eventually leaving the team due to personal issues. But as for the playoffs, the Patriots always seem to know how to win games and going to play in Foxborough against Belichick and the Boys and win is a tall task for anyone involved. Here, as the Patriots look forward to a tough upcoming matchup with the sneaky-good Los Angeles Chargers, we look at the top players to watch on Sunday afternoon in Foxborough, Masschusetts.
Who to Watch
Quarterback, Tom Brady
Will Tom Brady be able to secure the 28th postseason win of his career on Sunday against the Bolts?
In Tom Terrific’s age 41 season, Brady threw for 29 touchdowns and had a QB rating of 97.7, subpar according to his own outstanding standards but still solid among quarterbacks in the NFL. However, with his second leading receiver in yards, Josh Gordon, suspended indefinitely from the NFL and stepping away from the game for now, look for Tom to find another option when Edelman is covered. Brady has also struggled against pressure lately, which is a cause for concern against a ferocious Chargers’ pass rush. The ongoing match between the underrated Chargers’ defense and the great quarterback should be enticing for sure and it will be interesting to see if Brady can get the Patriots to another AFC Championship next week against the dynamic Kansas City Chiefs or rival Indianapolis Colts.
Running Back, James White
James White, the Pats’ top receiving back, could cause issues for the Bolts’ defense on Sunday if they decide to focus their attention elsewhere.
Sharing snaps with Sony Michel, James White seemed to obsolete when it came to the rushing game. He has been very prominent in the passing attack over the past several season, highlighted by his Super Bowl LI performance against Atlanta, even leading the team in receptions with 87 in the 2018 regular season. If otherworldly rookie, Derwin James, ends up shadowing Rob Gronkowski for most of the afternoon, look for targets to come aplenty in White’s direction to create one on one matchups in space. If White can make a big impact when Brady needs a check down or find themselves in a crucial 3rd down, the Patriots may own a significant advantage over the Chargers in a day where the elements are expected to be in play. The underrated back has quietly had a great year, so expect the speedster to make a few big plays on Sunday afternoon.
Strong Safety, Patrick Chung
Can Patrick Chung and the Patriots’ defense stop Philip Rivers and the dynamic Chargers’ offense?
Chung always seems to be the guy that makes the key tackle whenever the ball gets past the second level of the defense. Second in tackles on the New England side, the strong safety flies around the field and hits everything that moves. Look for him to be a huge factor in stopping the run and helping over the top, especially if Rivers decides to take shots down the field to deep threats in Mike Williams and Tyrell Williams. However, the Chargers may opt to run the ball often in the expected-snowy conditions of Foxborough on Sunday, even with a beat up running back squad on the Chargers. In particular, with running back, Melvin Gordon, hurt and facing a knee injury, it will be imperative for the Patriots to stop the running game of the Chargers if they want to win on Sunday. With the single biggest matchup of the afternoon, expect Chung to help be the vocal leader that the Patriots need if they want to secure a win in the Divisional Round.
Punter, Ryan Allen
Execution on special teams will be gigantic in determining who wins in the Divisional matchup between the Patriots and Chargers.
It’s been a rough couple days for members of the brand, but remember punters are people too folks. The most important play in football, especially come playoff time, is the execution of the punt and the Patriots have a weapon in Ryan Allen. He can hit 60 yard rocketships and can drop the ball on a dime wherever he wants on the field. Look to the signature lefty to switch field positions and pin opponents within the 10 yard line to give the defense a chance, especially on a day that is expected to be low scoring and cold in the New England area.
On an expectedly cold Sunday afternoon this weekend in the Divisional Round, the Patriots face one of the best teams left in the Los Angeles Chargers.
With impact players on both sides of the ball and arguably the best head coach and quarterback of all time, don't be surprised if the Evil Empire winds up making another run towards Atlanta for Super Bowl LIII. The race for ring #6 begins now and the rest of the NFL better get ready for the single toughest out in the league year after year. It will be difficult, but the path towards another season of football domination begins Sunday in Foxborough against the pesky and rebellious LA Chargers (10:05 PT, CBS).