The NFL Roundup 2019 – Divisional Round: Day Two

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

I have to admit, I’m a touch surprised at how the first day of the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs turned out. Because usually the first day of this round features a stunning upset, or an incredibly close game that keeps you on the edge of your seat. But instead, day one was pretty by the numbers. The home teams handled their business and never put us in doubt as to who was going to win and let’s be honest, the Kansas City game was more or less a blowout. But, there’s still time for some big-time surprises and the potential for a true thriller. So, without further ado, let’s take a moment and look at today’s games as we all prepare to settle in for Day Two of the Divisional Round. 

---

AFC Divisional Matchup
Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots
Gillette Stadium – Foxboro, MA
1:05 p.m. EST - CBS  

​HOW THESE TEAMS REACHED THE DIVISIONAL ROUND
In a way, you have to feel a little bad for the Los Angeles Chargers this year. After all, they had an amazing season, and played some dominant football in the AFC that eventually led them to a quality 12-4 record. However, the fact that this team is in the AFC West made that record about as irrelevant as it gets since the Chiefs won that division, pushing the Chargers into the #5 seed in the AFC Playoffs, but that didn’t stop them from making the most of that opportunity since they handled the Baltimore Ravens with ease. As for the New England Patriots, well they did what they’ve done for ages now and won the AFC East in order to get here, but it was perhaps their toughest run to the #2 seed in a long time. Because the Pats finished 11-5 this year and they looked downright average at times, but a weak division helped provide them with another shot at the tournament.
 
KEYS TO THE GAME
For the Patriots, the big key to this game is that they have to get their offense rolling. There can be no mistakes, no dropped passes or missed throws in this one, they have to look like a well-oiled machine against a confident and talented Los Angeles squad who are looking to defeat a vulnerable New England team. So as long as Tom Brady keeps a rhythm going and gets his guys into the end zone, they should be fine. As for the Chargers, well, they are definitely chomping at the bit to end the Patriots season in Foxboro and the key to this game for L.A., is to sock New England in the jaw on both sides of the ball. Which means that Philip Rivers needs to take full advantage of the Pats porous secondary and hit them with some big plays and all the Chargers D has to do…is stick with the formula that teams have beaten Brady with time and time again. That means some healthy blitzing to hit and chip Brady to throw off his timing and to lock down those receivers in tight man coverage, and if they can pull all of that off, they’ll earn the upset. 

NFC Divisional Matchup
Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints
Mercedes-Benz Superdome – New Orleans, LA
4:40 p.m. EST – FOX 

​HOW THESE TEAMS REACHED THE DIVISIONAL ROUND
Let’s be honest, the Philadelphia Eagles have provided sports writers everywhere with some phenomenal material over the past two years since their story continues to be downright magical. After all they won the Super Bowl last year on the arm of a backup QB and after appearing to have a Super Bowl Hangover so bad they almost missed the tournament this year, that same backup QB, Nick Foles, leads the team to a playoff berth and a stunning victory over the vaunted Chicago Bears. As for the Saints, well…they too had quite the magical year but in far different fashion. Because this year, everything came together for the Saints on both offense and defense and thanks to Drew Brees’ incredible performance this season and a defense that rarely let anyone score on them, this team earned the NFC South division title, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
 
KEYS TO THE GAME
For the Eagles to have a chance in this one, they have to do precisely what they did in Chicago all over again. Which means the offense needs to exercise great patience and take every yard the defense gives them, so long and sustained drives are key so that they can wear down that powerhouse Saints defense, and speaking of defense, that Philly secondary has to figure out how to take away any routes available for Drew Brees, in the hopes of keeping New Orleans out of the end zone. As for New Orleans, well…they honestly just need to do what they’ve been doing all year long, which is wow us on offense and contain Foles and the Eagles running game. So, in essence, it’s New Orleans’ game to lose since they’ve been playing top notch football all season long and as long as they don’t take Philadelphia for granted, they should do just fine in this game.