Each week we preview one matchup per game that is such a mismatch that it should make an impact on the game, either through its exploitation or by changing a team's plans to try to compensate. The surprises kept coming in Week 3 as the Chargers and Panthers stayed undefeated and the Rams and Vikings stayed winless. Will the pendulum finally swing the other way for those four teams?
The Patriots' flexible pass defense vs. Chargers QB Drew Brees
The Chargers remember last year's 3-point loss to the Patriots as the turning point in a 2001 season that started 3-0 and finished 2-11. A year later they are again 3-0 and facing an undefeated Patriots team. The Chargers are extremely motivated for the game. Linebacker Junior Seau has called this the biggest game since he's been in San Diego. But just like last year, some important facts cannot be ignored. In both seasons the Chargers got off to a 3-0 start thanks to a very easy schedule. While the Chargers have a lot of confidence in themselves thanks to new coach Marty Schottenheimer, they almost lost to the Cardinals last week, having to rely on their defense to score points for them. The Patriots' pass defense is the class of the NFL, capable of morphing itself from one look to a completely different coverage scheme when the ball is snapped. With second-year quarterback Brees entering just his fourth career start, there's no way that he can be prepared for this game. The Chargers will run LaDainian Tomlinson a lot to take pressure off Brees, but he will have to throw the ball, and mistakes will be made.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
