LA CHARGERS ARE THE BIGGEST THREAT TO THE PATRIOTS

       After we reflect on yet another season for the New England Patriots representing the AFC in this year’s Super Bowl, the question rises yet again. Who in the AFC will be a legitimate threat to the Patriots this year? For the first time in a while football fans across the country can admit that the Los Angeles Chargers have a serious shot of dethroning the Patriots. In fact, if one kick goes Los Angeles way then this year it could have been the year for the Bolts.

In Week 8 of the 2017 regular season, the Los Angeles Chargers took on the New England Patriots. The Chargers were not looking like their normal selves on that Sunday afternoon. Giving up 10 penalties for 77 yards, and they were 3 for 10 on 3rd- down conversions, giving up one sack for a loss of 20 yards, and allowing a total of 27 first-downs

.http://www.espn.com/nfl/matchup?gameId=400951715. Even though LA played a very poor game, they only lost by 8 points. This was one of the few games where they did not play up to their potential. The final score was 21-13 with the Patriots finishing on top. The Chargers played a fundamentally poor game and yet still finished neck and neck with the “Top Dogs” in the AFC.

Now, this is where the Patriot fans and fans of other teams in the AFC start to get worried. The Los Angeles Chargers are an all-star team. From top to bottom this team is flat out incredible. Both sides of the ball are absolutely loaded. The defense consisting of the dynamic duo on the edge Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa, to the astounding secondary. With names like Casey Hayward and Jason Verrett, and the surprising beasts like Desmond King, Trevor Williams, and Adrian Phillips, to the hard hitting Jahleel Addae. The offense led by future Hall-of-Famer Philip Rivers is privileged to have multiple weapons. The receiving corps that consists of Keenan Allen, Travis Benjamin, Tyrell Williams, and the developing Mike Williams were lights out this year. Don’t forget about the young stud tight end Hunter Henry. The Bolts also beefed up the O-line adding a all pro center in Mike Pouncey.https://www.google.com/amp/www.sportingnews.com/amp/nfl/news/nfl-free-agent-news-mike-pouncey-chargers-contract-dolphins/166aw67j2boxk1f3blztbs9iii.

Russell Okung and Dan Feeney are coming off a great year.  Forrest Lamp is looking to prove his worth on the O-Line that allowed the least amount of sacks last year. https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol.

You can’t forget about the playmakers Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler. Melvin Gordon is coming off his first one-thousand yard rushing season and is looking to do it again with an upgraded offensive line. There is no doubt that the weapons are there. The Chargers need to address some minor needs in this upcoming draft, but there is absolutely no reason why they can not compete with the top teams in the NFL this upcoming season. This can be a historic year for the bolts. They have what it takes to defeat the defending AFC Champions. The future is in their hands, the Chargers control their own destiny.

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