New England Patriots 16, vs. Los Angeles Chargers 3

Was it pretty? Nope. Was it effective? Absolutely. The Patriots defense puts together a masterclass performance giving up just a single field goal, overcoming mistakes and turnovers from the offense to lead the team to the second round. The defensive secondary completely shutdown the receiving weapons of the Chargers, including a shut out performance from Christian Gonzalez. 5 targets, 0 catches, 0 yards, for Gonzo who we are wishing the best after exiting early from a head injury. The Patriots defensive front was solid against the run all game, but didn’t provide a ton of pressure on Herbert on the pass rush until the second half, when it really started to count. Credit to Zak Kuhr on yet another incredible job calling plays for this defense. Kuhr, the interim DC has been nothing short of excellent in his first season calling plays. The play calls finally allowed Milton Williams to break through via stunts for a couple sacks against Herbert, contributing to the team total of 5. Another player deserving of mention was Christian Elliss, who as QB spy on Herbert in man coverage was flying around all night preventing Herbert from using his legs. The speedy depth linebacker, known for his booming hit on Jaxon Dart earlier this season, had his hands all over this game. The defense was impressive and stingy, non more impressive than stopping the Chargers in the red zone following the Drake Maye tipped ball interception early. That defensive possession alone stole the momentum right back for the Patriots and allowed Gillette Stadium and the offense to settle it’s nerves and get to work.

Let’s face it, the offense struggled. More specifically this was not the type of performance from Drake Maye we grew accustomed to this year, but a win is a win. Maye showed some hesitance early in the game, which led to the tipped ball pick and several missed passes. Rhamondre Stevenson I thought was impactful establishing a physical run game to allow Drake to eventually steady himself and settle into the game. Maye and the offense eventually began to show signs of life in the second half, capping off a few drives with field goals, before Maye had his best drive and best throw found Hunter Henry to stretch the lead to 13 and put it near out of reach for the Chargers. Maye and the Patriots offense can learn a lot from this game, including pass protection, and taking care of the football. Maye, trying his best to throw the ball away, or find a last second option, fumbled twice, losing one. He has to learn quickly to tuck the ball and just take the loss/sack, and live to fight another day, rather than losing the football attempting a low percentage, last second pass. These were the types of mistakes you’d expect him to make, if he hadn’t been so incredible all year. As good as he is, this win shows him that he doesn’t have to be an MVP every night, he can manage the game, control the ball and trust in the rest of his team to get the job done. I expect he’ll be much better in next week’s game.

Looking ahead: The Patriots will play the winner of tonight’s Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game, at home next Sunday. Time is TBD.