Chargers vs. Saints - Preview

This is the shootout at Wembley, and there are two fantastic gun slingers that will be blazing away.  The last time there was this much action in the air over London Germans were dropping bombs.  Here is a quick look at those quarterbacks:

You look at these teams and it's like they were twins separated at birth; great aerial attacks, lethargic running games and inconsistent defenses.  This has all the markings of a barn burner; lets take a look at some of the matchups.  Watch whoever gets covered by Saints corner Jason David (42), at 5'8" he looks to be targeted early and often if we can get Jackson, Chambers (if he plays) or Floyd matched up with him.  Tight Ends also seem to well against the Saints defense, maybe this is the game that Gates busts out for a big game.  For the Saints look to see if we are standing back in zone and giving up those short passes.  The big question will be can we get to Brees and are we limiting the yards after catch with sure tackling.  Brees has been sacked seven times, so it looks like the NO line is doing a great job at protection with as often as he throws.  Personally I am going to go into my little happy dance if we come out in man to man coverage, but won't be holding my breath.

The Saints are also a bit banged up, they will be going without Reggie Bush, and Shockey may or may not be able to go.  He did have something of a blow up at the Saints last game, the Chargers have to be chipping him hard at the line or he will killing us the whole game.  At wide receiver NO has Devery Henderson and Mark Colston who is just back off injured reserve; two great receivers with an elite QB to throw at them.  I'm guessing that Jammer will be trying to take away Henderson, that should be a great battle.  The Saints are just stacked on offense.  I expect Deuce McAllister to be run as a change up for their passing game.  He is averaging 4.2 yards per carry, but I expect he will miss having Bush to spell him.

These teams are so evenly matched, I think in the end it may come down to turnovers.  The team that hangs onto the ball; or takes the ball away will likely take away the W as well.