MPL Game Of The Week

Randy	v.s.	Blu Pun
4-1	Record	4-1
5	MPL Top Ten	8
W2	Streak	W1
	Offense
	Defense
	Intangibles
	Coaching
32	GOTW Prediction	28

The Chargers (Blu Pun)

Blu has a team that really plays to his strengths on 07. He is a player that really loves to run the ball and hit those tight ends. Well, in San Diego he has what most people consider the best player in football with Tomlinson. For tight ends, he has one of the best in the game with Antonio Gates. Pun has really turned his success in Madden around since 07 came out and with the Chargers, he's able to utilize the weapons on the team to the best of his ability. Tomlinson is tremendously adept at breaking tackles and once he's in the open field, it's all over. Gates is a monster who can catch everything and outrun whoever is covering him to get to the ball. While the Chargers weakness is their wide receivers, Pun has been able to make it work. They are slow but can catch the ball. They'll likely have a harder time getting this done against one of the best secondaries in the league. LT is going to have to be a big factor in catching passes out of the backfield and Gates will have to have a big day. The problem for the Chargers is that the Panthers have speed at the linebackers positions so they'll be able to keep up with Gates.

Key Offensive Players:

  

Ladanian Tomlinson       Antonio Gates

San Diego hasn't been too bad on offense so far this season. They've allowed just 21 points per game through 4 games played. However, the only opponent that they've faced with any offensive prowess put up 41 points against them. That could be an indicator of what may happen in this week's game. The defense is going to really have to step it up as they square off against a Panthers offense that puts up 32 points per game. Outside LB Merriman is going to have to be a force with a pass rush and in coverage. Castillo and Williams will be charged with making a big push up front to contain the running game of the Panthers. Quentin Jammer draws the unenviable task of guarding Steve Smith. The lack of speed at the safety position may be what really hurts the Chargers in this game. The safeties have solid awareness but Carolina packs some speed on both sides of the field and will certainly want to test the long ball every now and then.

Key Defensive Players:

  

Shawne Merriman       Quentin Jammer

The Panthers (Randy)

Randy's offense was featured in last week's Game of the Week article but it's worth mentioning that he continued his scoring dominance as he again eclipsed the 30 point mark in week 5. That makes 5 out of 6 games in which he's scored 31 points or more. He is really hitting on all cylinders with that offense and it seems like the only one that can stop it is himself. Carolina is likely to do more passing than running in this game. Smith and Carter will test the deep and intermediate routes throughout this contest. Foster will be a factor, but it's more likely that he's going to make his contribution as a pass catcher this week. The only thing he's going to have to watch out for is hanging on to the ball and not fumbling away any costly turnovers.

Key Offensive Players:

  

Deshaun Foster       Steve Smith

Randy's Panthers gave up well more than their average last week but they were facing a Steeler's team that is capable of putting up some points. And while the Chargers can score, they aren't a threat to compete in a shootout. Carolina is going to have to key on shutting down the explosive running attack and mainly #21, LT. A huge component in that plan is going to be Dan Morgan. He's quick and he's alert. Morgan is going to have to react in the blink of an eye in order to prevent LT from getting into that dangerous second layer of the Panthers defense. Julius Peppers is again going to have to make his rounds in visiting the opposing quarterback. Carolina can not afford to give Rivers all day to sit back there and pick who he wants to throw to. The Panthers are going to need to put Rivers on his back early and often...Mr. Peppers will certainly be more than happy to oblige.

Key Defensive Players:

  

Julius Peppers       Dan Morgan

Key Matchup:


VS  
Ladanian Tomlinson against Panthers Front 7

LT is really going to need to be the man in this game. The Panthers can really score so it would be wise for the Chargers to control the clock. The man to help do that is LT...both running the ball and catching it. If Carolina is able to contain LT and get the ball back to their prolific offense, it could be a very long day in San Diego and the Charger fans will be going home very unhappy. Tomlinson should get plenty of carries and see plenty of touches but I dont think he'll be able to break anything big. Expect a modest day from LT which means the Panthers offense will see plenty of opportunity to score.

Outcome: While Blu doesnt absolutely need to win this game, a win would give him a 2 game lead in his division and allows him to breathe a little bit easier. However, this is a virtual must win for Carolina if they hope to stay in the race for the division crown. The Jets currently have a 1 game lead over Randy's Panthers and the Jets are likely to win their week 6 matchup. A loss for Carolina here could mean that they'd be fighting for a wildcard spot...and I think that will be enough motivation for Randy to come out and give it his all.

Panthers win this one 32-28

MPL Game Of the Week Season Record on Predictions:   4-1