The Chargers are set to face the Patriots for the second consecutive season in 2021.
This time around, Los Angeles should be more hungry than ever after suffering the worst loss in a franchise history to New England a year ago, where they were shutout by the score of 45-0.
The matchup between the two teams which comes in Week 8 was named one of the most intriguing games on the 2021 schedule by Touchdown Wire’s Mark Schofield.
Here’s what Schofield wrote about the bout:
Let’s look at when the New England Patriots have the football. Sure there have been a ton of new additions — including former Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry — but now the Patriots offense will be squaring off against Brandon Staley and a new-look Chargers defense. Let’s not forget, Staley’s defense did a number on this Patriots team a year ago when he was the defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams. The chess match between Staley and New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will be fascinating to watch unfold.
Then when the Chargers have the football, young QB Justin Herbert will get his second shot at a Bill Belichick defense. Belichick has often enjoyed success against younger quarterbacks, and last year’s game was no exception, but year two of Herbert might find the young passer with a few more tricks up his sleeves.
The Patriots suffered a rough patch in their first season without quarterback Tom Brady. But the team brought in a handful of reinforcements this offseason for their presumed starter, Cam Newton, as well as their future, Mac Jones.
New England went on a free agency frenzy, acquiring former Chargers tight end Hunter Henry, TE Jonnu Smith and wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bournce, among others, as they look to get back to their winning ways.
Last year, the Patriots offense was too much for Los Angeles. But it should be a different story knowing that Brandon Staley had no problem stymieing them last season when he was the Rams defensive coordinator, and the pieces on the defensive side of the ball are capable, if healthy.
In addition, the special teams department cost them this game, too. The Bolts allowed a punt return touchdown, and also had a kick blocked that the Patriots returned for a touchdown. New ST coordinator Derius Swinton II and the players brought in should help to avoid a repeat.
On the other side that could determine the outcome of this game is the play of quarterback Justin Herbert.
Bill Belichick is one of the best in the business at getting the best out of young quarterbacks, which is what he did last season, holding Herbert to a 49.1% completion percentage for 209 yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions.
Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s game plan for Herbert and the rest of the offense could ultimately decide the fate of L.A. in this game.