Chargers-Patriots...

Yes, the game has already begun. No, nothing of substance, besides the fact that San Diego's defense has limited the Patriots on their first two offensive possessions has taken place thus far. However, that occurrence is indicative of the fact that the Chargers' defense matches up with the Patriots defense better than any other team in the NFL. With the ability to generate pressure with their front four, a talented group in the secondary, and a group of linebackers that can work up to pressure the passer and cover weapons like Watson and Faulk, the Chargers are well equipped to limit the Patriots on offense, particularly if adopting some of the game plan elements the Jaguars employed last week, limiting the deep ball, filling the underneath zone with personnel, and attempting to generate pressure with the front four.

The Chargers would normally present a similar matchup when going up against the Patriots defense, but, with several stars likely to spend a significant amount of time on the sidelines, the Chargers do not possess the same potency on offense. The Chargers must extend drives and give their defense the opportunity to rest, as the pressure the Patriots generate on offense can wear a team down.

Yes, the Patriots are 17-0. However, it is far from a foregone conclusion that the Patriots will complete their quest. With the Chargers this week and, presumably, the Packers in the Super Bowl, the Patriots face their two greatest challenges of the season and I personally believe that they will fail to scale one of these obstacles.