Drake Maye carries Patriots to wild-card win over Chargers

Foxborough, Mass. – In the return of his first Super Bowl championship team in the 2001 season – in which current head coach Mike Vrabel played an integral role as a linebacker – new England Patriots Depend on your defense to post 16-3 win on Sunday against the tour los angeles chargers In the wild-card round of the AFC playoffs.

The second-seeded Patriots will face the winner of Monday’s game between No. 4 pittsburgh steelers and number 5 houston texans on Sunday (time TBD).

The Patriots took advantage of a weak Chargers offensive line and recorded six sacks of the quarterback Justin HerbertThe Chargers were held to 207 total yards, with only 120 of those coming through the air, Improved health was a factor, as this was the first game since November 13 in which the Patriots had three of their best players – defensive tackle milton williamslinebacker robert spillane and outside linebacker/defensive end Harold Landry III – In the lineup together.

Most Amazing Performance: The Patriots’ red zone defense, which ranked 30th in the NFL in touchdown percentage allowed in the regular season, was superb in the first half. The unit stopped the Chargers on four consecutive plays on first-and-goal from the 10-yard line to keep the game scoreless, then stopped it late in the half to force a field goal attempt.

What is meant by QB performance: drake may Was effective as a runner but suffered some of his most significant struggles of the season as a passer. In the first half, he was 6 of 15, his worst completion percentage (40%) this season. This included a fumbled interception at the New England 10-yard line. And he was sacked five times.

But when he needed it most in the clutch, he threw a beautiful 28-yard touchdown pass to the tight end hunter henryMays’ ball protection was also weak in the third quarter when he was stripped, But when he got out to run, the Chargers struggled to contain him, with Mays’ 37-yard run late in the second quarter being the second-longest of his career,

Viewing Trends: Injuries to starting cornerback Christian Gonzalez (head) and Carlton Davis III (toe). Gonzalez left the game in the second half after being hit on the helmet by a Chargers receiver. He did not return. Meanwhile, Davis left the game for extended periods of the first half before returning at the start of the second half (and taking an early defensive pass interference penalty). second year player charles woods The top backup is on the outside. Cheater kobi miner (Seventh round, Memphis) Also adds depth and slot. marcus jones Can also go outside in a pinch.

Statistics to know: The Patriots have made multiple changes in two of their last four games (Week 16 at the Ravens). Had multiple turnovers in three of his first 14 games this season.

Best quotes from the locker room: defensive tackle milton williams On the lips of coach Mike Vrabel celebrating after a game-sealing sack. “I was turned away. I’d forgotten he wasn’t wearing a helmet.” , mike rees

Success for Chargers Justin Herbert The era has always been rooted in fantasy: If he had the right weapons, the right coaching, maybe this doomed franchise could have gone out of its way.

Coach Jim Harbaugh had to end that cycle. Instead, for the second year in a row, the Chargers are entering another offseason with an all-too-familiar feeling.

Despite a defense that shut out the Chargers repeatedly on Sunday, a lifeless offense and another poor playoff performance from Herbert dropped him to 0-3 in his postseason career as the Chargers enter another offseason in which playoff success remains an unfulfilled goal.

Most Amazing Performance: Odafe OwehLinebacker acquired by the Chargers Baltimore Ravens In October, produced perhaps his best performance of the season. He finished with 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 3 forced fumbles, repeatedly fending off a Chargers offense that was flat-footed. His three sacks are a single-game postseason franchise record.

The 27-year-old Oweh now enters free agency as one of the top edge rushers available and his playoff performance has perhaps only strengthened his market.

What is meant by QB performance: Herbert faced few questions about his ability to lead the team to the championship. He has excelled throughout the season despite playing behind the league’s worst offensive line. But he was unnaturally on leave on Sunday. He left receivers open – or didn’t see – and struggled to navigate pockets that were relatively clean compared to this season.

Herbert’s playoff performance remains the biggest criticism of his professional career, and Sunday night did little to change that narrative.

Viewing Trends: Omarion HamptonHealth of. The Chargers’ first-round rookie appeared in only nine games this season, sitting out seven of them due to a left ankle sprain and one due to a right ankle injury. Hampton’s most recent injury, suffered against Houston in Week 17, ruled him out for Week 18 and limited him to just two snaps on Sunday. With recurring ankle problems it is fair to wonder whether durability could become a long-term concern.

Best quotes from the locker room: Oweh said he thinks the Chargers are a better team: “And any day, we beat them. We don’t have that today, so that’s the more annoying part.” , chris rimm