Three key matchups to watch in AFC Divisional Round games

Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots

1. Patriots Offensive Line vs Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa

The offensive line of the New England Patriots has done a fantastic job of protecting Tom Brady this season. During the regular season, the gave up just 21 sacks. Anytime Tom Brady gets a clean pocket with time to throw, he’s likely going to make a defense pay.

That’s exactly why Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa are going to have to step up their game. Both Ingram and Bosa will have to get constant pressure on Tom Brady. They did so against the Ravens last week by earning three sacks between the two of them. They helped the Chargers get seven total sacks. It’s not like the Ravens have a bad offensive line either. They gave up just 32 sacks during the regular season.

If the Chargers can find a way to get to Brady, it’ll be a long game for the Patriots. This guy is the G.O.A.T. Of course he’s going to beat you if you don’t get pressure on him! The Chargers need to rack up some sacks.

2. TE Rob Gronkowski vs S Derwin James

This was kind of a down year for TE Rob Gronkowski. He played in 13 games, but he only totaled 47 receptions for 682 yards and three TDs. Last year in 14 games, he totaled 69 receptions for 1,084 and eight TDs. That’s a significant drop off.

Even though Gronk hasn’t had the best of years, he’s still a huge threat to an opposing defense. There’s no question about it, Gronkowski is one of Tom Brady’s favorite weapons. Take him away, and it’ll force Brady to look elsewhere or force bad throws to him.

Enter rookie S Derwin James. He may be a rookie, but that doesn’t mean anything to the First Team All-Pro safety. Standing 6’2″, 215 pounds, James has about as good of size as you can have to matchup with Gronkowski.

James is a physical player who can give Gronk a hard time getting open. He can challenge every pass thrown his way. I expect the Patriots to test James against Gronkowski, but I also expect James to be ready for this AFC Divisional Round game.

3. Patriots Rushing Attack vs Chargers Rush Defense

The New England Patriots held the number five rushing offense in the NFL during the regular season, averaging 127.3 rush yards per game. Being able to run the ball effectively against the Chargers is key to their success.

I’m not sure I’d want Tom Brady throwing the ball around 50+ times in this game against the Chargers. Instead, the Patriots need to control the clock by establishing the run game, and then let Tom Brady do his thing when the Chargers are focused on stopping the run.

Establishing the run may not be so easy against the Chargers though, as they ranked 9th in rush yards per game. This defense is no slouch in the run game. For the Patriots to win this AFC Divisional Round game and move on to the Conference Championship, their rushing attack needs to have a good day.