At a Glance
- New England Patriots beat Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 in Wild Card showdown
- Drake Maye secures first postseason win despite five sacks and two fumbles
- Christian Gonzalez locks down receivers, allowing zero receptions on five targets
- Why it matters: Patriots advance to face either Steelers or Texans next Sunday while Chargers face another early exit
The New England Patriots are heading to the Divisional Round after a dominant defensive performance ended a seven-year playoff victory drought. No. 2 New England defeated No. 7 Los Angeles 16-3 at Gillette Stadium on Sunday Night Football, setting up a home matchup next weekend against either the Pittsburgh Steelers or Houston Texans.
The game remained a field-goal battle through three quarters before the Patriots found the end zone in the fourth. Los Angeles, meanwhile, begins another offseason filled with questions about health, offensive production, and whether Justin Herbert can breakthrough in the postseason.
Winners and Losers from Patriots vs. Chargers
WINNER: Drake Maye, Patriots
Drake Maye survived constant pressure and his own mistakes to earn his first playoff victory. The rookie quarterback completed 17 of 29 passes for 268 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while taking five sacks and losing one of two fumbles.
His touchdown throw came at a critical moment, finding Hunter Henry against his former team. Maye’s resilience under the lights against a strong Chargers defense provided a crucial learning experience for future postseason tests.
LOSER: Chargers’ Offensive Line
Justin Herbert dropped to 0-3 in playoff games as Los Angeles’ battered offensive line collapsed under New England’s pressure. At least three starting linemen ranked among the bottom performers in individual blocking metrics, resulting in six sacks for 39 yards lost.
Herbert managed only 159 passing yards on 19 of 31 attempts, with his legs providing the most consistent offensive threat. The Chargers’ injury curse struck again, derailing another promising season.
WINNER: Christian Gonzalez, Patriots
Christian Gonzalez demonstrated why he’s considered a lockdown cornerback, allowing zero receptions on five targets across 26 coverage snaps. The 2023 No. 17 overall pick has surrendered a league-low -9.7 receptions over expected this season, including playoffs.
Los Angeles’ receiving corps of Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Keenan Allen failed to make an impact against Gonzalez’s coverage. New England enters its next matchup with confidence in its secondary’s ability to handle elite receivers.
LOSER: Greg Roman, Chargers
Greg Roman’s offensive scheme continued a troubling pattern of postseason stagnation. The coordinator, who previously worked with Colin Kaepernick in San Francisco and Lamar Jackson in Baltimore, now sees Justin Herbert struggling under his system.
Roman’s offenses have consistently underperformed despite elite defensive support. The 53-year-old coordinator faces increasing pressure as the Chargers contemplate modernizing their offensive approach to maximize Herbert’s prime years.
WINNER: Mike Vrabel, Patriots
Mike Vrabel’s return to New England has reinvigorated a franchise that missed the playoffs three straight seasons. After guiding Tennessee to postseason appearances from 2019-2021, Vrabel spent 2024 with Cleveland before joining the Patriots.
The 50-year-old coach has molded New England’s defense in his image – physical, disciplined, and opportunistic. Despite limited offensive weapons beyond 32-year-old Stefon Diggs, the Patriots have developed Drake Maye while maintaining championship-level defense.
What’s Next
New England advances to host either the Steelers led by Aaron Rodgers or the Texans featuring DeMeco Ryans’ stout defense. The Patriots’ balanced approach and home-field advantage make them dangerous in the divisional round.
Los Angeles faces another disappointing exit, extending Herbert’s playoff victory drought while dealing with familiar questions about offensive coordination and injury management. The Chargers must address their offensive line and scheme issues before another season slips away.
Key Takeaways:
- Patriots defense dominated with six sacks and constant pressure
- Christian Gonzalez emerged as a shutdown cornerback
- Drake Maye gained valuable postseason experience
- Chargers’ offensive line issues proved costly
- Greg Roman’s scheme faces scrutiny after another early exit
The victory signals New England’s return to playoff relevance under Vrabel’s leadership, while Los Angeles continues searching for answers after another promising season ended prematurely.
