Wild Card Recap: Chargers drop to the Patriots at Gillette Stadium
The New England Patriots beat the Los Angeles Chargers with a score of 16-3 to advance to the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. The teams faced off on Sunday evening at Gillette Stadium for the Patriots’ first home playoff game since Tom Brady was at the helm.
Star-studded quarterbacks lead both teams. New England quarterback Drake Maye is one of the frontrunners for the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award and was named to an All-Pro team this season. Los Angeles quarterback Justin Herbert is a multiple-time Pro-Bowler and former Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Despite the talent in both quarterback rooms, Sunday’s marquee matchup was between the Chargers defense and the Patriots offense. FOX Sports ranks New England in the top-3 offense in the NFL and has Los Angeles’s defense in the top-5.
The game started slowly with both teams punting on their first offensive possession. However, Maye was picked off by linebacker Daiyan Henley in Patriots territory to give the Chargers good field position. Despite getting to the 2-yard line, Los Angeles was unable to take advantage and turned the ball over on downs.
On the following drive, Maye threw a 48-yard pass to running back Rhamondre Stevenson to help set up a field goal for the Patriots. The Chargers responded with a field goal of their own to tie the game. New England secured another field goal before the end of the half to put them up 6-3.
The Patriots turned the ball over on their first drive of the second half. Maye was sacked and fumbled the ball. Linebacker Odafe Oweh recovered the ball for Los Angeles, but they were unable to capitalize once again.
While Los Angeles continued to struggle, New England extended its lead. They kicked another field goal, and Maye threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to tight end Hunter Henry. The Chargers turned the ball over on both of their final offensive possessions, which sealed the win for the Patriots.
Next week, New England will play the winner of Monday night’s Steelers-Texans game. Los Angeles will use the off-season to get healthy, hoping to enter next season with all of their starters ready to go.