Three Chargers who must play big vs. Saints

Before each game I will be covering three players that need to perform well to help the Chargers come out on top. This week the Chargers face the New Orleans Saints.

It’s Game 4 of the regular season, and the Chargers have a chance to get back to .500 with a win. Here are three players that must play well to make that happen.

LB Jatavis Brown

Mani Te’o is officially out for the rest of the season. Be a critic of his ability all you like, but losing Te’o is one less veteran on a young defense. As a rookie, Jatavis Brown doesn’t have time for growing pains if the team wants to win games. In John Pagano’s defense, the inside linebacker has a large amount of responsibilities. From covering the middle of the field, calling plays, diagnosing the offense, stopping runs, ect., Brown is going to be turned to right away to fill Te’o’s shoes. With one of the best quarterbacks in the league coming to town, Brown has no room for error this week.

TE Hunter Henry

Hunter Henry had a difficult finish to last week’s game, fumbling on the last drive that ended the Chargers’ attempt to win the game. Henry showed plenty of talent and “know how” to take the mantle from Antonio Gates while he nurses an injury. Henry is one of the more reliable pass catchers on the roster. Henry is going to have to be a part of the passing attack against a high-scoring team like the Saints.

CB Jason Verrett

Other than Philip Rivers, Jason Verrett was the hardest to watch last week. Verrett, being one of the most elite players on the Chargers roster, looked lost at times. This week doesn’t get any easier facing off against Drew Brees. Verrett needs to have a bounce-back game and return to being the shutdown corner we are all used to seeing.

Extra Credit

Philip Rivers

Poor throwing isn’t something Rivers is known for, but he could have fooled anyone with last week’s performance. Like Verrett, Rivers needs to bounce back if the Chargers want to take the W.