Chargers vs. Patriots Week 8: By The Numbers

The Chargers’ overall offensive stats took a hit when they failed to do much of anything against the Ravens in week six. For the first time all season, they’re now averaging less points per game compared to their opponents (24.7 vs. 25.0).

With the Patriots coming to town, there’s a chance things don’t bounce back in the way we would all hope they would. The Pats are giving up just 20 points per game and, after all, this is still a Bill Belichick-coached defense. It’s bound to be opportunistic with a side of hard-nosed play among the front seven.

This week will also be the first time we get to see how a Brandon Staley-led team adjusts following the bye. While it’s not the most exciting thing in the world to look forward to, it’s something that can go a long way in deciding how strong this team finishes down the stretch. Oh, and it will also give us our first look into how well Staley can prepare for a team when given an extra week. Coaches like Belichick and Kansas City’s Andy Reid are well-known for doing just this, so I’m stoked to see how the team looks following the break.

As always, this is just a simple “screenshot” of both teams and how they’re faring on both offense and defense thus far in 2021.

Let’s dive right in.

Chargers Offense

Total yards per game: 377.5
Points per game: 24.7
Passing yards per game: 282.8
Rushing yards per game: 94.7

Top Performers

Passing: QB Justin Herbert - 1,771 yards, 14 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Austin Ekeler - 356
Rushing touchdowns: RB Austin Ekeler - Four
Receiving yards: WR Mike Williams - 498
Receptions: WR Keenan Allen - 39
Receiving touchdowns: WR Mike Williams - Six

Chargers Defense

Total yards allowed per game: 364.3
Points allowed per game: 25.0
Passing yards allowed per game: 201.8
Rushing yards allowed per game: 162.5

Top Performers

Tackles: S Derwin James - 50
Tackles for loss: LB Drue Tranquill, LB Kyzir White - Three
Sacks: EDGE Joey Bosa - 3.5
Passes Defended: CB Asante Samuel Jr. - Five
Interceptions: CB Asante Samuel Jr., LB Kyzir White - Two
Forced fumbles: CB Tevaughn Campbell - Two
Fumble recoveries: CB Michael Davis - Two

Patriots Offense

Total yards per game: 355.0
Points per game: 25.6
Passing yards per game: 259.6
Rushing yards per game: 95.4

Top Performers

Passing: QB Mac Jones - 1,779 yards, Nine touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Damien Harris - 437
Rushing touchdowns: RB Damien Harris - Five
Receiving yards: WR Jakobi Myers - 390
Receptions: WR Jakobi Myers - 41
Receiving Touchdowns: TE Hunter Henry - Four

Patriots Defense

Total yards allowed per game: 350.6
Points allowed per game: 20.0
Passing yards allowed per game: 245.0
Rushing yards allowed per game: 105.6

Top Performers

Tackles: S Kyle Dugger - 48
Tackles for loss: EDGE Matt Judon - Eight
Sacks: EDGE Matt Judon - 6.5
Passes Defended: CB J.C. Jackson - 10
Interceptions: CB J.C. Jackson - Three
Forced fumbles: Three tied w/ one
Fumble recoveries: Three tied w/ three