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Patriots Stifle Chargers 16-3 to Reach Divisional Round

A smothering defense delivered New England's first postseason victory since 2018, setting up a home divisional game in Foxborough.

Overview

  • New England held Los Angeles to 207 total yards, produced six sacks and forced a key Justin Herbert fumble that preceded the lone touchdown.
  • Rookie quarterback Drake Maye went 17-of-29 for 268 yards with a touchdown and an interception, adding a team-high 66 rushing yards in his playoff debut.
  • Hunter Henry broke the game open with a 28-yard fourth-quarter touchdown catch that pushed the lead to 16-3 with 9:45 remaining.
  • Justin Herbert finished 19-of-31 for 159 yards as the Chargers went 1-for-10 on third down; his playoff record fell to 0-3.
  • Reports indicated Herbert played with a fractured left hand, capping a season in which the Chargers’ battered offensive line struggled with protection.