The real test- Updated match up preview vs. the San Diego Chargers

As I said the Chiefs did everything you can expect to put pressure on him, to make him uncomfortable. Despite that, he made big plays and very tough throws. He really looked like one of the Top 5 QB of the NFL. He was so good, that the Chargers didn’t feel that someone (Vincent Jackson) is missing. The Jaguars secondary will have very tough game against Legedu Naanee and Malcolm Floyd, not to mention a player called Antonio Gates. I already started to sweat when I think about the match up Gates vs. the Jaguars secondary. I don’t play fantasy; but that is right there the “start of the week”. This is the only match up that the Chargers have a big advantage in my opinion; but that alone can turn this game to favor San Diego…

X-factors:

Oh; sorry there is another one. This game will be on the West Coast. The area the Jaguars have their butt kicked in a very ugly style twice. They were outscored 6-61 in those 2 games; including a  0-41 from a very bad (not on that day) Seattle Seahawks…Although Jack Del Rio has a 7-0 run against the AFC West teams right now, this will be a big; big test. I don’t speak about a victory. I think that will be the upset of the week, if the Jaguars win this game. But I want to see effort. I want to see a “very close score; fight to the finish” style game from the Jaguars.

Speaking of the West Coast; the Jaguars had some players coming from California (Maurice Drew; Marcedes Lewis, and head coach as well); but this year they loaded the roster with people who will return home this weekend (no speculation about LA Jaguars here please).Kirk Morrison; Kassim Osgood; Russell Allen; John Matthews are San Diego State or San Diego University products. Tyson Alulau went to college to California. If you add Maurice and Marcedes to this unit; Jaguars have a pretty large West Coast group in the roster; if we consider; that they are an East Coast team…

Kassim Osgood: He served the Chargers between 2003-2009. This year he plays for the Jaguars. He wanted to play as a WR so he signed with the Jaguars. In his 1st game; he scored a game winning TD. Also he was fantastic in the special teams. I think he wants to prove San Diego that he has talent as a receiver. If I was Dirk Koetter; I would design  2-3 plays for him this Sunday…

Shawne Merriman vs. Maurice Jones Drew: Well once again; I don’t know the game status of Merriman; but if he plays; he has an unfinished business with ‘Pocket Hercules” I think about this play of course:

This play was often mentioned in the last 2 seasons. I think Merriman not forgot it. If he plays; I’m 100% sure he want to revenge this. So Maurice; If Merriman is on the filed; please be cautious!

In conclusion; I think this game will decide on 2 things. How much can the Jaguars limit Philip Rivers; and can they play on the high level (like they did against the Broncos last week) on the West Coast. I’m not going to lie; this game is to me like a match against the Patriots was last year. I’m very confident that this game will be a loss. (If the Jaguars surprise me; I’ll be a very happy man.) If that happens; I will watch how the Jaguars will lose it: in the end of a very hard dogfight; or laying an egg once again in the West Coast.

Prediction: Chargers 28- Jaguars 21

Zoltan Paksa