MNF PREVIEW: LOS ANGELES CHARGERS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

BY ADAM GREENE

After years of shuffling lackluster match ups to their Monday Night Football brand, this  season the NFL has put on some decent games. While the records might not jump off this one could be fun as newly minted official starting quarterback Justin Herbert brings his upset-minded Los Angeles Chargers to NoLa to take on the unpredictable New Orleans Saints on the actual scheduled game for Monday Night Football.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (-7.5, O/U: 50)

Location: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, La.

Kickoff: Oct. 12, 8:15 p.m. EST

Broadcast: ESPN

THE HISTORY

The most interesting facet of the history of these two teams is what connects them; quarterback Drew Brees. Brees was originally drafted by the then San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft and started for them from 2002-2005. After a couple of lackluster seasons as a starter, the Chargers gave up on Brees and drafted his replacement, Philip Rivers (well, they drafted Eli Manning and traded him for Rivers and a pick, but that’s whole story on its own).

Anyway, a funny thing happened on the way to Brees getting run out of San Diego. He got good and led the Chargers to a 12-4 record in 2004 and a 9-7 finish in 2005. He also injured his shoulder, giving San Diego the excuse they needed to pretend they weren’t shipping a franchise quarterback out the door. Of course, we now know that they did.

Rivers, of course, was pretty good himself, and the Chargers post-Brees problems had more to do with their continual whiffing on head coaching hires. Justin Herbert should take note.

Regardless, the Chargers lead the all time series 7-5, but the Saints have won the last three, all Brees starts for New Orleans.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (1-3)

It’s a shame it had to go down this way (with the team doctor costing Tyrod Taylor his job), but rookie Justin Herbert has been officially handed the keys to the Chargers’ offense for good. It was the right call from head coach Anthony Lynn. Herbert’s play has kept Los Angeles in every game this season, nearly pulling upsets over the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Last week, going toe-to-toe with Tom Brady, Herbert finished 20 of 25 for 290 yards, three touchdowns and a pick. He also led the team in rushing with 14 yards, which is exactly why they lost. With running back Austin Ekelar heading to injured reserve this week, LA will need to find a way to manufacture a running game to keep this one competitive.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2-2)

The good news for the Saints is that All-Universe wide receiver Michael Thomas has been listed as questionable, which means there’s a chance he’ll play. Brees needs him, as their offense has looked markedly different without the star wideout on the field.

Last week in their 35-29 win over the Detroit Lions, Brees did a better job attacking downfield, even without Thomas, but the jury is still out on how far he can physically take this team in 2020. 

THE PICK

In spite of questions surrounding Brees and his teetering on the QB cliff, I don’t see the Chargers stealing this one on the road. Though it wouldn’t surprise me if they kept it close. It’s their M.O. at this point. Saints 24, Chargers 17

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