Playoff thoughts 3: New England

The Patriots are a popular pick this week by the folks over at SI.com. Can't blame them when you line up Marty's playoff record against Bellichik's, which one has to do this time of year. That said, Marty will unquestionably have the Chargers mentally prepared.

This game may come down to Cameron's ability to counter Bellichik's schemes. It seems logical the Patriots would stuff the box, limiting LTs area to run as well as trying to take away the short pass. Cameron will want to keep Rivers confident and in a good flow, so short passes would seem in order. Rivers always takes deep shots down the field so if the line can buy him time, he may be able to hit a few and that could really change the momentum and strategy of the game.... Another thought I have is that if the Chargers can get by the Patriots then they should win the Superbowl. The Patriots will be the toughest test they face in the playoffs.

Getting defensive about the backs

A couple articles today about the DBs which I'm going to discuss in a moment. But while I'm on the subject of articles, why is it that the Union-Tribune and the North County Times almost always run articles on the same day about the same Chargers topics?

Actually, today's articles are both about Jammer and his improvement this year. The entire defensive backfield has improved and everyone credits it to: working harder, being more consistent, and increased film study. I'll buy that but I have to add that Marlon McCree's addition to the backfield might be the second biggest reason for their improvement. The No. 1 reason? It has to be increased qb pressure the front 7 has gotten. The Chargers led the league in sacks this year and so it's no coincidence the DBs have played better. Merriman, by himself, might be the biggest reason they've stepped up their play. Notice also how the DBs have been shaky when the line hasn't been able to get huge pressure on the qb.

Finally, the Chargers are getting no help whatsoever from their DB coach, Brian Stewart. Now, as a group, the Chargers have outstanding assistant coaches - perhaps the best in the league. If you're unsure about the role of the coaches, judge the play of this year's OL (coached by Jack Henry) versus last year's (coached by Carl Mauck). Much improved this year, thanks to Henry. Also, look at the play of their DL, coached by Wayne Nunnely. Castillo and Olshansky have quickly become big contributors to the defense. Cesaire has also stepped up after being signed as a rookie free agent. And of course, Jamal Williams became a perennial all-pro under Nunnely. However, despite numerous high draft choices, the DBs have be inconsistent in their play. Stewart has not helped.