Chargers and Patriots Ride on Victory Waves

The San Diego Chargers enter Sunday’s game riding high on their surprise victory against Indianapolis last week. Look for the Chargers to take aim again against Jacksonville, while the New England Patriots prepare for what might be an easy victory at Buffalo in the night slot.CHARGERS (5–4) at JAGUARS (6–3)Sunday, 1 p.m.San Diego’s 23–21 Sunday night victory over the Indianapolis Colts was a game that proves the truism that anything can happen. An otherwise disappointing Chargers team feasted on amazing special teams (a punt return and a kick return touchdown), a career-high six interceptions by Peyton Manning, two missed field goals by kicker Adam Vinatieri, and an enormous list of injured Colts.It’s hard to know what to make of San Diego’s win. Chargers coach Norv Turner out-coached Tony Dungy down the stretch, an astonishing fact. Two weeks ago, San Diego’s defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell allowed Minnesota Vikings super-rookie Adrian Peterson the most rushing yards in NFL history by refusing to stack the box with extra defenders. Respecting Minnesota’s anemic passing game in any way should be a terminable offense.What the Chargers do have, though, is just about enough talent to overcome their coaching. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson, last year’s NFL MVP, is having a solid season. Tight end Antonio Gates is the best in the business. San Diego’s front seven is excellent when used correctly, and cornerback Antonio Cromartie is this year’s Devin Hester — a magnet for big plays.Jacksonville’s problem isn’t so much their coaching staff as their division. The AFC South currently has three teams with records of 6–3 or better. To put it in perspective, there are only six other teams in the entire NFL that have as many wins. The Colts’ incendiary offense and Tennessee’s incredible defense have made the Jags a bit of a redheaded stepchild. They will likely get quarterback David Garrard, one of the NFL’s most efficient passers, back this week after three lost games due to an ankle injury. Jacksonville’s formerly formidable run defense has been a problem this year, currently ranking 23rd in total yardage allowed and 15th in rushing yardage allowed.What Jacksonville should be able to do is to set their running backs, Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew (also known as “Pocket Hercules”), on a Chargers’ defense that is currently without end Luis Castillo. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has, surprisingly, regressed under his current coach — the one thing Norv Turner is known for is quarterback development. But he should be able to make some plays with Gates in the open field. This game could come down to special teams, and if it does, San Diego has a decided advantage. They have their own “Pocket Hercules” in Darren Sproles, who amassed both San Diego return touchdowns last week.PATRIOTS (9–0) at BILLS (4–5)Sunday, 8:15 p.m.The New England Patriots can’t lose for winning. Denied their own 2008 first-round draft pick as a result of the Spygate scandal, their April trade for San Francisco’s first-rounder still looks better and better as the 49ers seem less able to win every week. New England gave a fourth-round draft pick to the Raiders for receiver Randy Moss, thought to be washed-up in Oakland — only to see Moss put up perhaps the greatest rebound year in NFL history. The Patriots enjoyed a bye last week, relaxing comfortably and watching their archrivals, the aforementioned Colts, suffer key injuries that put their championship chase in jeopardy.Some guys have all the luck.The thing about this Patriots team is that they’re the NFL equivalent of the wealthy child who still outworks everyone. Say what you want about head coach Bill Belichick: When he’s game planning, there’s nobody better. The team’s mixture of stars and scrubs is letter-perfect, a testimony to the personnel acumen of vice president Scott Pioli. New England used to do things the Moneyball way, searching for bargains while others overspent. Now, they’ve put a dollar sign on the muscle with Moss, linebacker Adalius Thomas, and receiver Donté Stallworth, and mixed up a heady brew that seems unbeatable. The Patriots set the record for most consecutive wins with 21 a few years back; now, they’re looking to become the only team to win every game in a 16-game season.Standing in their way this week are the Buffalo Bills, a team in transition. Buffalo’s formerly great linebacker corps and secondary were disheveled in free agency with the losses of London Fletcher and Nate Clements. Their two outstanding rookies, linebacker Paul Posluszny and running back Marshawn Lynch, will be missing from this game due to injuries. Quarterback J.P. Losman can sky the ball with the best of them, but there have been issues with the kind of midrange efficiency that extends drives and wins games. Rookie quarterback Trent Edwards has seen time and may do so on Sunday, now that he’s recovered from a wrist injury — anything to keep that Patriots’ offense, and quarterback Tom Brady, off the field. Of course, making that happen requires an offensive gameplan that can beat New England’s defense, one of the NFL’s best.Buffalo has lost 13 of their last 14 games against New England, including a 38–7 beat-down earlier this year. Picking up a win here will require a near miracle. Coach Dick Jauron has done a great job with what he has, but he finds himself as almost every New England opponent seems to these days — totally overmatched.Mr. Farrar is a writer for FootballOutsiders.com.

Chargers and Patriots Ride on Victory Waves

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