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Patriots Stifle Chargers 16-3 to Reach Divisional Round as Defense Sacks Herbert Six Times

New England will host Houston or Pittsburgh in next weekend's divisional round.

Overview

  • New England held Los Angeles to 207 yards and 1-of-10 on third down while registering six sacks and 11 quarterback hits on Justin Herbert.
  • K'Lavon Chaisson's strip of Herbert set up the game's only touchdown, a 28-yard Drake Maye pass to former Charger Hunter Henry in the fourth quarter.
  • In his playoff debut, Maye went 17-of-29 for 268 yards with a touchdown, an interception and a lost fumble, and he led the Patriots with 66 rushing yards.
  • Herbert finished 19-of-31 for 159 yards with a lost fumble and fell to 0-3 in the postseason, continuing a season complicated by offensive line instability and a fractured left hand.
  • The victory marks New England's first playoff win since its 2018 Super Bowl season, with receiver Kayshon Boutte contributing after being questionable pregame.