Every game is a big game in the NFL, even with an extra game added to the schedule this season. They’re all must win, regardless of division standings, opponent or location. Somewhere someone is likely mouthing the famous Herm Edwards quote about just this idea. But for the 2021 Patriots, the urgency to win is intensified, not just because of the coach, reputation or logo on their helmet, but most notably because of their record. At 3-4, with several one score losses, one or two of which they truly should have won, there’s little margin for error left on the slate if they have designs on playing past January 9, 2022 -- not to mention fulfilling the faith many placed in this squad. With much on the mind and a lot of football ahead of them still, here are five reasons why Sunday’s Halloween tilt in Los Angeles against the Chargers is especially significant for the Pats.
.500 OR BUST!
Are these Patriots really better than their record suggests? Many on the team, like Jonnu Smith, have suggested as much. At 2-4 there was a lot of frustration, voiced by linebacker and defensive standout Matthew Judon. Then said frustration was taken out on the Jets in a 54-13 whipping, which wasn’t really that close. So are they closer to the team that humiliated a division rival, or the “close but no cigar” squad of the first month-plus? A win this Sunday would get the Patriots back to .500 for the first time on the season, basically giving them a clean slate over the final nine games. While nobody expects them to overtake the Bills in the AFC East, the race for the three AFC Wild Card berths seems pretty wide open, hence why every win, especially against a conference opponent, matters. 4-4? You’re in the hunt. 3-5? We might well be on to 2022. On the subject of 2022...
BUYERS OR SELLERS?
Whether or not the Patriots decide to make a trade before Tuesday's trade deadline, and just what kind of trade that is, may depend largely on Sunday’s result. Win and perhaps Bill Belichick and his braintrust are looking for acquisitions, likely on the defensive side of the ball, investing in 2021. The secondary has been hit hard and could use a bolstering of ranks, so you believe as well. Lose and sitting 3-5, perhaps the Pats are sellers. While certain talented pieces on both sides of the ball are untouchable, some, like cornerback JC Jackson, could potentially be available. Jackson is in a contract year and might be especially valuable to a contender should the Pats not have designs on rewarding him with the massive extension he’s likely seeking. And speaking of Jackson...
A “PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS” GAME
“I mean, it’s not really a big challenge," Jackson said earlier this week when asked about defending the Chargers' passing attack. In terms of being confident in you and your team’s abilities while potentially giving your opponent potential bulletin board material? This is the poster child for both. Jackson has never lacked confidence, but last season when the Patriots pasted the Chargers at SoFi Stadium, 45-0, Jackson had former Pats corner Stephon Gilmore as a secondary teammate. Now Jackson is the No. 1 with Jalen Mills, who’s struggled heavily of late, by his side. Plus excellent slot corner Jonathan Jones is out for the year, putting greater stress on the likes of third-year corner Joejuan Williams, who’s lacked a signature game or moment to date. Considering the way Keenan Allen and Mike Williams can attack a defense, this game could be monumental for the overall confidence of the defense, as well as the value of the supremely confident Jackson headed to market. Speaking of confidence...
MAC JONES’ CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT
Mac Jones has the confidence of his coaches and his fanbase now. With each passing week the rookie out of Alabama looks more and more the part of a franchise cornerstone under center for the Pats. He’s the highest rated rookie QB, not to mention the second-highest rated QB in the league over the past two weeks and at the top of the league already in catchable passes. With all this momentum, not to mention coming off his best game to date as a pro, perhaps there’s no better QB barometer for Jones to play against and judge himself against than Justin Herbert. The Chargers second year QB, who Bill Belichick absolutely adores, is widely considered one of the ascending stars of the league and better QBs, period. He’s taken his game to the next level in Year 2, and was well ahead of expectations when he had to start suddenly in place of Tyrod Taylor last year. Can Jones go toe-to-toe, throw-for-throw, with Herbert? Having one Hunter Henry, a five-year Charger who’s now caught touchdowns in four straight games, might help. But this head-to-head battle is absolutely a reason to watch if you’re locked on the progress of Jones. Speaking of battles...
COACH CLASS
The Patriots are coming off what likely will be their most lopsided win of 2021. Their most lopsided win of 2020 was a 45-0 thumping of the Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Gone is mistake-prone coach Anthony Lynn and in his place one of the brighter young minds in first year coach Brandon Staley. Staley is quickly earning respect around the league for his team’s turnaround and much more. If he’s truly a coach to watch for years to come, and his team is on the rise, then who better to prove your worth and mettle against than the GOAT NFL coach himself? As for Belichick, he has nothing left to prove in the long-run. However, in the moment, he’d love nothing more than his team backing up last week’s performance with another fundamentally sound, all three phases win. A solid showing in Los Angeles would be massive for all the money spent on this developing squad, and demonstrate last year’s shutout was no anomaly, adding to his dominance of the Bolts (10-3) to date. Game on.
HONORABLE MENTION: THE SAMUEL FACTOR
It’s no secret Asante Samuel, the former Patriots cornerback, and father of Chargers rookie corner Asante Samuel Jr., is not a Bill Belichick fan. The Patriots All-Decade member has been especially critical of his former coach on social media for some time. Most think his saltiness comes from Belichick not giving him the lucrative contract extension he wanted following the 2007 season, which the Eagles ultimately gave him. A Chargers win Sunday, especially if Samuel’s son, who has two interceptions already on the season, and Pats Nation might want to find the mute button their social feeds as quickly as they’ll likely find the power button on their remotes.
