Preview: Green Bay Packers at Chargers

by Brandon on Nov 4, 2011 7:02 AM CDT in Green Bay Packers Preview

SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 14: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the San Diego Chargers passes the football before defensive end Chukie Nwokorie #90 of the Green Bay Packers sacks him during the game on December 14, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Pack defeated the Chargers 38-21. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

The last time the Green Bay Packers traveled to San Diego in 2003, Chargers QB Drew Brees was handing off to RB LaDainian Tomlinson and throwing passes to WR David Boston.

It's been a crappy season for the San Diego Chargers, despite their winning (4-3) record. Their wins aren't all that impressive (Vikings, Chiefs, Dolphins, Broncos) and they've been losing to good teams (Patriots, Jets, Chiefs). Their best win is against a Chiefs team they just lost to after The Snap. The injury report isn't looking good either because they'll be without their best back (Ryan Mathews), best offensive lineman (Kris Dielman) and their best pass rusher (Shaun Phillips). But that's not their biggest problem.

What is Wrong with Philip Rivers? No one seems to have an answer. Football Outsiders has the Chargers ranked with the No. 17 best pass offense (No. 2 overall in 2010; well ahead of the Packers). Against the Chiefs last week, Rivers did a great job of finding the open receiver for a big gain in the middle of the field, but they just fell apart in the red zone. While their leading receiver (Mathews) is out, their 2nd leading receiver (RB Mike Tolbert) should have some success against a defense that struggles to cover running backs and tight ends. And the Chargers also have a good tight end (Antonio Gates) even if he isn't having his best season. They can still move the ball and score, but they're not as efficient and they've had a lot more turnovers.

On the other hand, Aaron Rodgers is winning every mid-season award he can. Aaron Schatz wrote that the Packers are "mediocre in every other way" except they "have the best passing game ever." Even if the Packers struggle in various ways, as they have done often this season, the Chargers have the No. 21 ranked pass defense and don't seem to be a good position to slow Rodgers down at all.

This was a tough game that I had my eye on when the schedules were announced. A long road trip to the west coast against a good team appeared to be a likely loss. But the Chargers have been a disappointment, and no one seems to be able to stop Rodgers and beat the Packers. However, the Packers haven't won on the road by a margin of more than 11 points, so don't expect a blow out either.

Packers 31, Chargers 24.

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What sucks for me is...

aside from my collossally bad luck in the apc fantasy league, in which I incorrectly assumed “Rivers to Jackson” would be the winning combination, I can’t even take my backup QB this week (Flacco has been on a sort of slump too, and the only person I expect to have a worse day then Rivers is him – the Steelers are going to spread him on the turf like “I Can’t Believe It’s Not The Playoffs”).

Up until this point the Packers have been allowing wide receivers to do well. I think that ends this weekend. I think the defense totally turns it up and Rivers’ woes are going to continue. Sacks, turnovers, the whole nine. What’s more, the Chargers inability to be effective in the red zone vs. the Packers ability to create crucial stops and there will show just how bad the Chargers really are this year. The Chargers will never lead.

Packers 37 Chargers 23

"Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser." - Vince Lombardi

by AdamA on Nov 4, 2011 7:43 AM CDT reply actions

I sure hope you're right...

And you probably are. The Packers seem to play to the level of their opponents. They get a lead and coast to a victory against weaker teams with the offense generating more 3 and outs than first downs. But against a tough team they will keep the pedal to the metal so to speak and stay on top.

The thing with the Chargers is two-fold; they are talented, but they just aren’t playing well (I guess injuries could be in there as well, but I’m keeping it relatively simple). I really hope the Packers can jump out to an early lead and keep the pedal to the metal the entire game. Just crush them, like you said with sacks, turnovers, etc. I think it would be good for the team to keep firing on all cylinders through 4 quarters. I don’t think we’ve done that since the NO game. If they can do that, we’ll win in a blow out.

Packers 45, Chargers 17

Drink, and Drink, and Drink, and Drink, and Drink, and Drink, and Fight!

by Brand New Hero on Nov 4, 2011 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions

Desperate team. Packers will have a fight on their hands

by Big10freak on Nov 4, 2011 8:15 AM CDT reply actions

True on that

But I really don’t see the Chargers really putting in a good 60 minute performance. I know Rivers is going to try to out Rodgers Aaron Rodgers in the first three quarters, but something’s gonna happen come clutch time where the Bolt’s offense breaks down and screws up something. Offense vs. Offense in this one…. Packers 31, Chargers 24.

When life gives ya lemons, shut up and eat your damn lemons.
Brett Favre will lead the Vikings to a Victory in Super Bowl XLVI, Guaranteed! - REVENGE4FAVRE

by P-Townfan on Nov 4, 2011 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions

bro in law

And my Charger Fanatic brother in law won’t even accept a handshake bet. “How can the worst team in the league beat the best, we suck”
Can’t wait until Sunday to see his vision proven correct.

by Farveuless Pack on Nov 4, 2011 9:27 AM CDT reply actions

Sounds like Ohio State fans last week.

And just like last week, I’m anxious and taking nothing for granted.

Author at Acme Packing Company

@TexWestern

by texwestern on Nov 4, 2011 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions

Wow, I don't even remember Chukie Nworkie.

I already told you! I deal with the god damn receivers so the linebackers don’t have to! I have coverage skills; I’m good at covering people! Can’t you understand that? What the hell is wrong with you people?!

by msc32887 on Nov 4, 2011 10:03 AM CDT reply actions

Rivers is struggling badly.

Against the Packers, he’s going to make more mistakes, and they will be magnified as Green Bay will take advantage of them. Meanwhile, Rodgers will have another 300+ yard passing day.

Packers 38, Chargers 20

Author at Acme Packing Company, SB Nation's Green Bay Packers blog.

State high point count: 4/50

If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.

by Vermont Cubs Fan on Nov 4, 2011 10:19 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs

This looks good to me.

Maybe another FG for SD.

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.

by Omaha Sun on Nov 4, 2011 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions

Even with the Chargers desperate and giving the Pack their best shot

I think they’re just overmatched here. Kinda like Atlanta was earlier this year and in the playoffs last year when they rode that emotion out to quick early leads only to get dominated the rest of the way. I see something like that happening Sunday – even if the Packers fall behind early, it’s only a matter of time before they take the game over.

when life gives you melons, you might be dyslexic...

by sheehan on Nov 4, 2011 4:04 PM CDT reply actions