Chargers Looking to Avoid Another First-Round Loss

Winning a Super Bowl obviously is the ultimate goal for every team in this year’s playoff field, but for the San Diego Chargers, it’s all about getting past that first game. Last year they entered the post-season on a 10-game winning streak and sporting a gaudy 14-2 record only to be unceremoniously dumped by the New England Patriots on their own field. Obviously, the last thing they want is a repeat of their monumental playoff flop.

This time around, however, the Chargers appear to have drawn a more favorable match-up in the Tennessee Titans, who enter the playoffs a little beat up. The Titans took the Chargers to overtime during week 14, but quarterback Vince Young is hobbled by a quad injury, and if he can’t go, the team will be forced to turn to veteran Kerry Collins this weekend. Obviously if Young’s mobility is hampered, the team is better off with the veteran behind center simply because Young isn’t much of a passer and doesn’t represent the same big-play threat with his legs that he does when healthy.

With or without Young, the key for the Titans is going come down to how well they control the Chargers run game while still getting pressure on QB Philip Rivers. Tennessee features a pair of defensive linemen who are among the best in the league in DT Albert Haynesworth and DE Kyle Vanden Bosch. Both are solid against the run and are great at collapsing the pocket, which should allow San Diego to drop seven men into coverage on a consistent basis. How Rivers responds will be a big factor.

Assuming Young plays, the Chargers defense will concentrate on keeping him in the pocket where he is inconsistent, while also shutting down the Titans’ inside power-running game led by LenDale White. Chargers nose tackle Jamaal Williams hasn’t exactly had his best season, but his ability to stuff the run will force the Titans to double team him, which should help free up San Diego’s linebackers.

The X-factor, in my view, is San Diego tight end Antonio Gates, who creates mismatches in coverage and should draw a lot of double teams Sunday. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson is the heart and soul of the Chargers offense, and will certainly get his touches. But Gates’ presence opens up so many options in the passing game.

Bottom line, as close as they came to knocking off the Chargers in week 14, the Titans just don’t have the offensive firepower to pull this one off. And as good as the Titans defense is, they won’t be able to pull this one out without an equally effective performance on the other side of the ball. I just don’t see that happening.

Prediction: San Diego 31, Tennessee 13