Patriots’ Mike Vrabel Discusses Chargers ‘Physical’ Offensive Line

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel knows the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line will be a key part of the playoff game.

Los Angeles has been a physical, run-heavy offense this season, despite the injuries to the offensive line. Although the Chargers have used plenty of different offensive linemen, Vrabel said the unit is impressive and will pose a problem to the Patriots’ defense.

“Physical group,” Vrabel said about the Chargers’ O-line on Friday. “They run the football. They have had some moving parts, so I give a lot of credit to them. They’re protecting for one of the top quarterbacks in this league, and when they give him time, he does a fantastic job. When he has to extend plays or scrambles, he’s creating X plays and they’re successful that way as well.

“So, it’s a challenge, but they want to be physical, they want to wear on you, they don’t mind a bunch of third-and-2s and 3s. They’ve got a lot of short yardages that they convert, so they’re doing a lot of things well. Obviously, possessing the football, and then being able to extend drives by staying on schedule.”

The Chargers averaged 121.58 rushing yards per game, so Vrabel knows the Patriots defense and defensive line will need to be on their A-game on Sunday.

New England, on the other hand, allowed just 101.7 rushing yards per game, which was sixth-best in the NFL.

The Patriots are 3.5-point favorites at home against the Chargers. Kick-off is set for 8:15 p.m. ET.