Can the Chargers Shock the Patriots? LIVE Score Updates & Shocking Predictions You Can't Miss!

The upcoming matchup between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Chargers has sparked considerable discussion, particularly regarding the distinct styles of play each team exhibits. The focus has largely been on New England's potent deep passing offense, which has emerged as the best in the league, and how Los Angeles' defense has excelled at countering this strength.

However, there’s another critical aspect of this game that deserves attention: the confrontation between New England's struggling run defense and Los Angeles' mediocre rushing attack. Since Week 9 of the current season, the Patriots’ run defense ranks 24th in the league in EPA (Expected Points Added) per rush. This statistic reflects their vulnerability when it comes to stopping the run, an area that could be pivotal in determining the outcome of the game.

On the other side, the Chargers' rushing attack hasn't fared much better, landing at 18th in the league in EPA per rush during the same span and also ranking 24th in rushing success rate. This suggests that neither team has been particularly adept at establishing a strong ground game in the latter half of the season.

A significant factor impacting the Patriots' run defense has been the injury to nose tackle Khyiris Tonga. Dealing with a foot injury, Tonga will miss Sunday’s game, which leaves a considerable void in New England's front. Known as their best run defender, his absence has exacerbated the team's issues in stopping opposing rushing attacks.

While this matchup may not seem as glamorous as the headline-grabbing battles between quarterbacks and defensive backs, it could prove to be crucial. If the Patriots can effectively stop the Chargers' run game, they might force Los Angeles into obvious passing situations. Such a scenario would enable New England to exploit the weaknesses of the Chargers’ offensive line, which has also struggled this season.

In a league where every yard and every possession counts, the ability to control the line of scrimmage can often dictate the game's flow. For New England, stopping the run is not just a necessity; it’s a strategic imperative that could tilt the balance in their favor. As both teams prepare for this critical clash, monitoring how these two units perform against each other could reveal deeper insights into their prospects for success in the game and the season ahead.