As the New England Patriots welcome the Los Angeles Chargers to Foxboro this weekend, it seems they will finally be making a change under center. Based off numerous reports and a short glimpse of positional drills during Wednesday’s practice, Bailey Zappe looks set to start his first game since last season.
But no matter who starts for the Patriots, the game plan should be simple: run the dang ball.
The Chargers defense has been one of the worst statistical defenses against the run since they hired Brandon Staley back in 2021. That trend has continued this year, as Staley’s Fangio-style defense features a lighter box (with typically two safeties deep) and a defensive line that has often been overmatched.