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Thankfully for the Patriots defense off balance with pre-snap movements and shifts. They will, as always, run the power game and try to put in as many zone plays as they can get away with.

In order to successfully run against the Patriots stalwart and veteran defense, one of the first orders of business will be to block New England’s nose tackle, Vince Wilfork. Wilfork is a huge middle presence and has surprising speed for a man as big as he is. He protects his linemen very well and can penetrate gaps to make plays in the backfield when necessary. If the Chargers can’t block Wilfork, their running game stands very little chance of getting anything going.

AFC Championship Game: Sunday, January 20 at 3 p.m. EST

In the passing game, the Patriots must be frothing at the mouth in anticipation of a possible showdown with Billy Volek. Volek, a career backup, is just that for good reason. He is the type of quarterback that Belichick and the Patriots defense are made to destroy. Regardless of whether it is Volek or Rivers behind center in the AFC Championship Game, New England will employ a variety of exotic blitzes on throwing downs and the Chargers offensive line will have to be well prepared to sustain any sort of pocket, while the quarterback will have to have some very quick reads ready to call at the line.

For the Chargers, they must hope that Antonio gates can play and at least draw some attention away from their wideouts, Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers, if they hope to have much success through the air. Volek of Rivers will have to look for one-on-one coverage on whoever is not being guarded by standout cornerback Asante Samuel. If they can take advantage of whoever is lined up against Ellis Hobbs, it is possible that the NFL betting spread, but still highly doubtful that they can pull off the improbable road win.

The 2007 and beyond!