Overview
- New England beat Los Angeles 16-3, limiting the Chargers to 207 total yards with six sacks, one forced fumble, and no touchdowns.
- Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane said Chargers players told him after the game they could not identify New England’s coverages.
- Analysts described a shift to all-out pressures, cover zero, and tight matching that the Patriots had not prominently shown during the regular season.
- OptaSTATS noted the rare playoff combo of six sacks, under 100 rushing yards, under 150 net passing yards, and zero touchdowns, last matched by the 1985 Bears.
- Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr handled defensive play-calling with coordinator Terrell Williams ill, raising discussion about reusing this blueprint in the next round.