4 Takeaways From the Patriots’ Win Over the Chargers

[ad_1] Of their first playoff sport in three years, to doubtlessly begin a brand new period with a brand new quarterback, the Patriots got here out victorious.

Well timed performs from quarterback Drake Maye and a stifling defensive effort helped New England to a 16-3 wild-card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday evening at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots completed the sport on a 13-0 run to advance to the Divisional Spherical. New England advances to the Divisional Spherical for the primary time because the 2018 season, which is when it final received the Tremendous Bowl.

Right here’s my takeaways:

1. Patriots have a Tremendous Bowl-caliber protection The Patriots’ protection solely had one takeaway, nevertheless it dominated the Chargers all evening.

Star cornerback Christian Gonzalez and New England’s secondary had been sticky in protection, erasing alternatives downfield for Justin Herbert, who had simply 159 passing yards. The Patriots additionally overwhelmed the Chargers’ maligned offensive line with stunts and stress packages. Herbert was sacked six instances and took 11 hits total from seven completely different gamers.

Los Angeles bought contained in the New England three twice in its first three drives, however got here away with simply three factors. The Chargers had been additionally held to 1-of-10 on third down.

The defenses of the Texans, Seahawks and Broncos have been among the many most talked about within the NFL this season. The Patriots’ protection additionally deserves respect as one of many league’s greatest, proving it is a unit able to taking part in at a championship degree.

New England ranked fourth in factors allowed and eighth in whole protection throughout the common season.

2. Chargers’ DL, go rush made a distinction in defeat Whereas it got here in a dropping effort, the Chargers’ defensive position had a serious impression on the sport.

It introduced loads of stress on Maye, who was pressured into two turnovers. Within the first quarter, nostril deal with Teair Tart batted a go on the line of scrimmage, resulting in an interception by linebacker Daiyan Henley. Edge rusher Odafe Oweh additionally stripped Maye within the fourth quarter, making a fumble that was recovered by defensive finish Da’Shawn Hand.

These takeaways didn’t end in factors, however slowed down the Patriots’ potent offense. The Chargers sacked Maye 5 instances, registered seven tackles for loss and compelled two fumbles (one among which New England recovered).

Drake Maye received the sport, however the Chargers sacked him six instances and made life troublesome. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Occasions by way of Getty Photographs)

3. Maye delivers in playoff debut Maye is lauded for having arguably the NFL’s greatest deep ball, nevertheless it was his legs that made an enormous distinction in a low-scoring affair.

The MVP candidate had 10 carries for 66 yards, together with a 37-yard scramble that arrange New England’s go-ahead area objective late within the second quarter. Within the closing interval, he had an eight-yard run that gave the Patriots a 2nd and brief, resulting in the one landing of the sport (a Maye go to tight finish Hunter Henry).

A cellular quarterback, Maye’s success on the bottom shouldn’t come as a shock. Within the common season, he had the second-most whole scramble yards (706), in line with Subsequent Gen Stats.

Because of the Chargers’ persistent stress, Maye didn’t have probably the most spectacular numbers. However he delivered late to assist the Patriots get the win, finishing 11-of-14 passes for 173 yards and a landing within the second half.

4. Narrative about Herbert will persist Getting into 2025, the narrative round Herbert is that he doesn’t ship within the playoffs, that he is only a supremely proficient quarterback that may put up huge numbers throughout the common season. In any case, he was 0-2 in his first two playoff video games, finishing 52.0% of his passes for 2 touchdowns and 4 interceptions with a 60.7 passer score.

His efficiency Sunday evening will solely add gasoline to that notion.

Herbert struggled to push the ball downfield. The Patriots had quite a bit to do with that — their secondary was terrific — and the Chargers’ offensive line and receivers didn’t assist both. Nonetheless, Herbert was unable to place his offense (and workforce) on his again in a manner that many league observers anticipate from a high franchise quarterback. He accomplished 61.3% of his passes for simply 159 yards and no touchdowns with a misplaced fumble.

4 ½. What's subsequent? Whereas the Chargers are headed dwelling, the Patriots will play the winner of Texans vs. Steelers. That sport within the Divisional Spherical will likely be subsequent Sunday in Foxborough.

Ben Arthur is an NFL reporter for FOX Sports activities. He beforehand labored for The Tennessean/USA TODAY Community, the place he was the Titans beat author for a 12 months and a half. He lined the Seattle Seahawks for SeattlePI.com for 3 seasons (2018-20) previous to shifting to Tennessee. You possibly can comply with Ben on Twitter at @benyarthur.

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