New England Patriots (2) – Los Angeles Chargers (7) : 16-3
Successful debut for Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel! In a tough and good defensive confrontation, it was the Patriots who ended up finding the fault in the opposing defense. Under pressure, Drake Maye (17/29, 268 yards, 1TD, 1INT, 1FUM; 10 races 66 yards) throws a marvelous pass for Hunter Henry (3rec, 64 yards, 1TD). The tight end receives and scores the only touchdown of the game. It hasn’t all been easy, but the Patriots’ new era in the playoffs begins with a victory!
On the Chargers side, the challenge was too high. Constantly under pressure, and not helped by his receivers and his playcaller, Justin Herbert (19/31, 159 yards, 2FUM, 10 races, 57 yards) tried everything but without success. For the 2nd year in a row, Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers lost in the wild card. Justin Herbert is still chasing his first playoff victory.
The key moment: Drake Maye finds the loophole
9 minutes from the end and with New England leading 9 to 3, the Patriots finally found the gap in attack to make the difference. Drake Maye avoids the sack, sees Hunter Henry unmarked and sends a perfect 28-yard pass for the tight end’s touchdown! A touchdown which then allows the Patriots to lead 16 to 3. A +13 that this Chargers attack is unable to recover this evening. New England took time to make the difference but the candidate for the MVP title ended up showing his talent.
A turning point confirmed on the following series when Justin Herbert, pressed from all sides, lost the ball and saw the Patriots defense cover him.
The MVP: K’Lavon Chaisson
Drake Maye made no mistake and was even decisive at the best moment to lead the Patriots to victory. But this victory is mainly defensive. It was not easy to find an MVP in this defense: Christian Gonazalez (CB) shut down his opponents for 3 quarters, Milton Willials limited the opponent’s ground game and put pressure on… But the choice falls on K’Lavon Chaisson.
Arriving on tiptoe after a failed start to his career in Jacksonville, K’Lavon Chaisson continues to progress in New England and his match this evening was excellent. The defender made 2 sacks, 3 QB hits and caused a decisive turnover in the 4th quarter.
At state: 0
0 as the number of touchdowns scored by the two teams on 5 passes in the red zone (the last 20 opposing yards). An 0/2 for the Chargers and a 0/3 for the Patriots. Los Angeles failed in the first half and left the Chargers constantly chasing the score. Too complicated for them this evening…
Le flop : Greg Roman
The Chargers offensive coordinator completely missed his game. He knew his offensive line was bad and found nothing to try to help him. His play calls involved routes that took too long to make and inevitably Justin Herbert caught the tide. We can also wonder about some run design for his quarterback. Roman seemed to have no suggestions to counter the Patriots’ defensive game plan.
Greg Roman is not a bad offensive coordinator but he also doesn’t seem to be a coach capable of going beyond what he knows how to do…
The match film
The Patriots were under pressure at the start of the match when, in their 10 yards, they saw a pass from Drake Maye being deflected and then intercepted by the Chargers defense. But the defense responds and Justin Herbert has no other solution than to try to score the touchdown alone on the ground. 2 yards from the endzone and on 4e attempt, Los Angeles tries its luck but fails!
In the process, the Patriots start from their 2 yards and quickly reach the opposing camp thanks to Rahmondre Stevenson. But the Chargers defense is tightening and spaces are rare. The locals must be satisfied with a field goal (3-0). Los Angeles responds immediately with a field goal (3-3) but the visitors may harbor regrets. Because once again they reach the opposing 10 yards but leave without a touchdown.
Just before halftime, Drake Maye made a nice 37-yard escape which put his team in the opposing camp. Except that New England is running out of time to get to the end and must resolve to take the field goal. The Patriots then lead 6 to 3 at halftime.
The match becomes closed again for a long time. None of the attacks are capable of enhancing good defensive actions. The Chargers in particular punt after a loss of ball caused by their defense… And then 9 minutes from the end, the young Drake Maye ends up breaking the opposing defensive lock. Hunter Henry scores the decisive touchdown which allows the Patriots to lead 16 to 3. Game over.
The sequel
With this victory, New England enters the next round. The Patriots will host the winner of the Steelers-Texans game. Once again Drake Maye will have to face a strong defense. But the Patriots will clearly have every chance.
On the Chargers side, we will have to find a solution to improve the offensive line, especially the interior. Away, the return of injuries should relieve the line. Also pay attention to the defense, a possible departure of defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is possible. The Chargers are solid, we now have to find the solution to become very good.
Worth a look
