It’s going to be a dogfight.
Despite losing its first four games, the Los Angeles Chargers (3-4) are coming into Foxboro with three straight victories under its belt.
The record could have been a lot better, especially considering the fact that three of the losses came by three points or less.
The Patriots (5-2) are coming off an impressive defensive stance in last week’s 23-7 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
They will need a similar performance this week, as the talented Chargers are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball.
Phillip Rivers is an experienced quarterback with Melvin Gordon in the backfield who has blossomed into a top-10 running back in the league. Keenan Allen may be one of the more underrated wideouts across the league, with a wily veteran in Canton-bound tight end Antonio Gates, as well as an impressive apprentice in Hunter Henry.
The challenge of stopping the visitors will certainly be more challenging without the likes of cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who was ruled as questionable but was seen leaving the locker room a short time ago.
It continues a disappointing trend for Gilmore, who only had one good performance against Tampa Bay in Week 5 this season before being sidelined.
The secondary will look to Johnson Bademosi to fill the void, especially with Eric Rowe also out.
Another loss for the Pats will be defensive lineman Malcom Brown, who has emerged as a leader this year. Then of course, you have Dont’a Hightower, who will miss the rest of the season with a torn pectoral muscle.
The offense will have to score often but will have to have a watchful eye on the defensive beast that is Joey Bosa.
It will receive a boost thought, that wide reciever Danny Amendola is slated to suit up.
The message for today is to just survive and find a way to grind out a win before a much-needed bye week.
