Chargers-Patriots: Young stars give 2024 Patriots team silver lining

This week, Taylor Kyles from Pats Pulpit, SB Nation’s Patriots community, joined us to preview this week’s game with the Chargers.

Let’s get started and dive right in!

1.) Drake Maye didn’t start the year as a starter in New England, but as of Week 17 he now has ten starts under his belt. How has he performed this year compared to preseason expectations? Where does he excel and where would you like him to improve?

I had high expectations for Drake Maye. In addition to his rare arm talent and athleticism, his poise, calculated aggressiveness and football IQ stood out when the now 22-year-old is at UNC. His accuracy and decision-making were understandably shaky at times early on, but he has grown quickly and does not repeat mistakes. Although Maye has thrown a pick in seven straight games, they have been unconventional in recent weeks and have had little to do with the quarterback. And despite looking like a veteran who will accept whatever the defense gives him, he successfully put the emphasis on aggression last week.

If there’s one area where the rookie has found himself in trouble, it’s rolling to the right prematurely at times. That’s understandable considering the protectors around him are often bad, but the Bills pulled it off last week and seemed ready for it. However, knowing what’s coming doesn’t mean you’ll stop him. I would also like to see him get back on track in terms of accuracy as he had some uncharacteristic errors on a cold night in Buffalo.

2.) Despite being 3-12 this season, is there anything about this team that excites you for the future? Is there a silver lining that you feel compelled to point out during this unfortunate time of year?

Maye is the easy answer as he already looks like a franchise quarterback, but CB Christian Gonzalez is a close second.

The sophomore was named AFC Defensive Rookie of the Month last season, but suffered a season-ending shoulder injury a week later. Gonzalez picked up right where he left off in 2024 by tracking and locking down the league’s top receivers every week. The only deep catch he was allowed in his career was a contest against Brian Thomas Jr., and he made quarterbacks pay for testing him.

DT Christian Barmore was expected to be at the top of that list next season, but he missed almost all of 2024 due to blood clots. Understandably, he wasn’t the same in his brief return near the end of the season, then he was shut down due to complications, but when healthy, he’s an All-Pro player.

3.) If you were Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman, how would you attack the Patriots defense? Who are the vulnerabilities that can be exploited? Which defenders would you avoid?

I would tirelessly run anywhere ED Anfernee Jennings and NT Davon Godchaux aren’t. Injuries to Barmore, LB and captain Ja’Whaun Bentley, S Jabrill Peppers and S Kyle Dugger have resulted in the middle of the defense suffering a kneecap. Their absences have forced starters like Jahlani Tavai to fill unfamiliar positions and depth positions, and young, inexperienced players have had to take on larger roles than expected. As a result, teams have moved the ball at will when facing New England.

In the passing game, I would target the middle mercilessly away from the action, where the Patriots’ linebackers and safeties have constantly struggled to get the depth they need in zone coverage. In man coverage, avoid throwing to Gonzalez (and corners in general) and target rookie UDFA Dell Pettus or Tavai if they are on the field.

4.) Same question as above, but reversed. If you were defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, how would you try to stop this Patriots offense? Which players would you have highlighted in your game plan? Which players might be flying under the radar?

I would focus on stopping the running game, where improved play has helped the Patriots move the ball consistently. Fumbles have been a problem for New England’s backs, with Rhamondre Stevenson losing his third fumble of the season last week, but head coach Jerod Mayo hinted he could be benched for Antonio Gibson. Although Gibson was quiet last week, he was the offense’s most explosive player and is difficult to bring down.

To slow Maye down, I would man the blitz and force his receivers to win while playing with solid gap integrity up front.

5.) Go ahead and give us a quick match recap of how you think this game will play out and don’t forget to top it all off with a prediction of the final outcome.

I think it will be a close game considering the Patriots and Chargers lack top-notch receiver talent. These quarterbacks will make some miraculous plays of their own and both should have success on the ground, so opportunities in the red zone are crucial.

I predict a 23-20 win for the Chargers.