Patriots Defense Dominates as Drake Maye Leads Gritty Playoff Win Over Chargers
Good evening and we begin tonight in Foxborough, where playoff football returned to New England in a very familiar way. Tough defense, patience on offense and just enough big plays when they mattered most.
The New England Patriots are moving on after a 16–3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC Wild Card round. It was not flashy. It was not smooth. But it was classic Patriots football, built on control, discipline and pressure.
This game was a grind from the opening kickoff. Both offenses struggled early and the score stayed tight deep into the night. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye looked nervous at first in his playoff debut. The throws were off early and a turnover gave the Chargers a golden chance near the goal line. But New England’s defense answered immediately, shutting the door and setting the tone for the rest of the game.
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As the night went on, Maye settled down. He stopped forcing plays, used his legs to extend drives and slowly began to trust his reads. The Patriots did not score a touchdown until the fourth quarter, but when they finally did, it was the biggest play of the game. Maye found tight end Hunter Henry for a deep strike that broke the Chargers’ resistance and gave New England full control.
The real story, though, was the Patriots’ defense. Justin Herbert never found a rhythm. He was under pressure all night, hit again and again and sacked six times. New England kept bringing extra rushers, collapsing the pocket and forcing Herbert to scramble just to survive. The Chargers finished with only three points and never reached the end zone.
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson also played a key role, especially as a receiver. Time after time, he turned short passes into big gains, helping New England escape poor field position and keep drives alive. It was not a dominant rushing performance, but it was smart, physical and timely.
For the Chargers, this loss is another painful chapter. Injuries, protection issues and missed opportunities once again ended their season early. Herbert fought, but the support around him simply was not enough.
For New England, this win means much more. It is their first playoff victory in years, a statement that the rebuild is real and proof that this team can win ugly when it counts. The Patriots now move on with confidence, momentum and a defense that looks ready for anyone.
That’s playoff football in January and New England is still standing.
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