The winning streak is over, but now is no time for the New England Patriots to hang their heads.
The Green Bay Packers snapped New England’s seven-game streak with a 26-21 win at Lambeau Field on Sunday. Yet the Patriots still are in the driver’s seat atop the AFC, and if they hope to stay there, they’ll need to defeat a tough San Diego Chargers team on the road next Sunday night.
The Chargers stand at 8-4 after an impressive road win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, their third victory in a row. San Diego’s offense is powered by quarterback Philip Rivers, who has thrown for 3,218 yards this season, good for ninth in the NFL behind Tom Brady (3,423 yards).
On the other side of the ball, a talented secondary led by Pro Bowlers Eric Weddle and Brandon Flowers will hope to slow down Tom Brady and the high-flying Patriots’ offense.
So what will be the biggest key to the Patriots’ success on the West Coast? Is it Brady getting things going through the air, or New England establishing a strong ground game? Or will the focus be on the defense, whether it’s stifling Rivers’ passing attack or getting an effective pass rush?
Cast your vote in the poll below.
Thumbnail photo via David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports Images
