CHARGERS: Three keys to victory


Opponent: New York Jets

Kickoff: 10 a.m. Sunday at MetLife Field

Line: Chargers by 2



Three keys to a Chargers' win

1. Incentives galore

The Chargers have plenty to play for. Not only have they listened to detractors degrade their 4-1 start due to lack of quality competition, their coach was publicly insulted by Jets head coach Rex Ryan . While players publicly chuckled at Ryan's exchange with Norv Turner , where he said he'd have Super Bowl rings if he were coach of the Chargers, they know Turner took it personally. His players will look for revenge, which could elevate their motivation in already-important game.

2. Open the flood-Gates

Antonio Gates ' value cannot be understated. The star tight end is an excellent finisher and a clutch player in the middle, the one weak spot in the Chargers' offense. With Gates playing to his potential, the Chargers' offense will be tough to stop. That includes the red zone, where enough points could be tallied to put this game out of reach.

3. Scrambling Sanchez

Despite quality stats against the Chargers, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is more game manager than play maker. The Chargers will focus on making New York one-dimensional by stopping the run. Then they can work on putting pressure on Sanchez and forcing mistakes that turn into turnovers.

Three keys to a Jets' win

1. Ground and pound

The Jets have struggled running the football despite a concerted effort to do so. New York has gained just 3.3 yards per carry, but have plenty of rushing talent in Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson . Tomlinson will be highly motivated playing his old team and Greene's physical style could give the Chargers fits. If New York runs at a high level, the offense will click and the Chargers could find themselves in trouble.

2. Island chain

The side of the secondary manned by Darelle Revis is frequently referred to as "Revis Island," where the star corner shuts down a receiver without much help from the outside. Revis, however, isn't the only talented corner on the roster. If Antonio Cromartie can lock down his side of the field, that will allow New York to focus resources to the middle and either double Gates or focus on stopping the run. Any team would have a tough time scoring against such an attack.

3. Revenge is sweet

The Chargers released Tomlinson because they didn't believe he could be a productive back anymore. They traded Cromartie after he became a disgruntled employee. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer wasn't thrilled about how his father Marty was fired in 2007. All three want nothing more than to beat their old team, which can prove powerful in a big game.


The Chargers will finally get the win over quality competition they've been looking for. They're extremely healthy and rejuvenated after a productive bye week. The Jets are on a short week following a Monday night affair and won't be able to keep up despite having home-field advantage.

Final score: Chargers 20, Jets 17

Scott Bair


