The energy in Foxborough last Sunday was basically electric, though maybe a little frostier than some fans wanted. Honestly, if you were looking for a high-flying shootout, the patriots score of 16-3 against the Los Angeles Chargers probably felt like a bit of a throwback. It wasn't flashy. It wasn't particularly pretty for the highlight reels. But for Mike Vrabel and this 2025-2026 New England squad, it was exactly the kind of gritty, defensive masterclass that defines playoff football in January.
Winning 16-3 in a Wild Card game sends a very specific message. The Patriots didn't just beat Justin Herbert; they suffocated him.
That Wild Card Score: Breaking Down the 16-3 Win
Let’s look at how we actually got to that final patriots score. It wasn't a game of big-play explosions. It was a game of "bend but don't break," or more accurately, "don't even bend."
The first quarter was a total stalemate. Zero to zero. Both defenses came out swinging, and honestly, Drake Maye looked a little jittery in his first postseason start. But the second quarter is where things started moving. Andres Borregales, the rookie kicker who has been a godsend this season, knocked through a 23-yarder to put the Pats up 3-0.
The Chargers answered back with a field goal of their own. 3-3.
Then, right before the half, Borregales hit another one from 35 yards. 6-3. You could feel the tension in the stadium. One mistake and the lead was gone. But the Patriots' defense, led by a front six that looked like they were shot out of a cannon, registered six sacks on the night.
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Key Scoring Moments
- Andres Borregales 23-yard FG: New England takes the lead 3-0.
- Cameron Dicker 21-yard FG: Chargers tie it up.
- Andres Borregales 35-yard FG: 6-3 at halftime.
- Andres Borregales 39-yard FG: Patriots extend lead to 9-3 in the third.
- Hunter Henry 28-yard TD pass from Drake Maye: The dagger. Final score 16-3.
That Hunter Henry touchdown in the fourth quarter was the only time anyone found the end zone all night. Maye finished 17 of 29 for 268 yards. Not "video game" numbers, but he didn't turn the ball over. In January, that's the only stat that truly matters.
Why the Patriots Defense is the Real Story
You've gotta give it up for the defense. They held a Top-10 scoring offense to just three points. That’s the sixth time in franchise history the Pats have held a playoff opponent to a single field goal or less.
Christian Gonzalez was a literal island. Before he left with a concussion late in the game, he didn't allow a single reception on five targets. Think about that. Justin Herbert, one of the best arms in the league, eventually just stopped looking his way.
The pass rush was just as mean. Six sacks. They were in the backfield so often it looked like they had the Chargers' playbook. Mike Vrabel has this unit playing with a level of discipline we haven't seen in Foxborough since the early 2000s. It’s a "do your job" mentality, but with a more aggressive, modern edge.
What’s Next: The Divisional Round vs. Houston
So, the patriots score from the Wild Card round is in the books, but the road gets significantly steeper from here. Up next is C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans on Sunday, January 18.
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This is going to be the toughest test Drake Maye has faced in his young career. The Texans defense is top-five in scoring and total yards. They have ballhawks everywhere—Derek Stingley Jr. and Calen Bullock are basically waiting for a rookie mistake.
Kinda makes you nervous, right? Especially with the news that Christian Gonzalez is in concussion protocol. If he can't go, the secondary is going to have its hands full with Nico Collins (if he clears his own protocol) and the rest of that Houston air attack.
Looking at the Betting Lines and Predictions
Early lines have the Patriots as 3.5-point favorites at home. The over/under is sitting at 45.5, which seems high if you watched last week's game. Most experts are split. Brooke Cersosimo and the NFL.com crew have been debating whether Maye can handle the Houston pass rush.
Honestly, it might come down to the running game. Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson need to keep the chains moving so Maye isn't forced to win it all on his own.
Historical Context: A Turnaround for the Ages
It’s easy to forget that just a year ago, this team was a mess. The 2025 season has been a 10-game turnaround compared to the previous two years combined. That’s tied for the largest single-season turnaround in NFL history.
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Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf have rebuilt the culture from the ground up. They hit on the Maye pick. They fixed the offensive line. They brought back that "Foxborough in January" aura that makes opposing teams look like they’d rather be anywhere else.
Whatever happens against Houston, this season is already a massive win for the organization. They snapped a three-year postseason drought and won their first playoff game since Super Bowl LIII. That's a huge deal for a fanbase that was starting to get a little restless.
Actionable Next Steps for Patriots Fans:
- Watch the Injury Report: Keep a close eye on Christian Gonzalez and Stefon Diggs. Their availability will likely swing the betting line by a point or two before Sunday.
- Check the Weather: It’s looking like another cold one at Gillette. In games with temperatures below 40°F, the Patriots’ historical win percentage jumps significantly.
- Focus on the Turnover Margin: The Texans have a plus-8 turnover differential. If the Patriots can play clean football like they did against the Chargers, they have a clear path to the AFC Championship.
Stay locked in. The Divisional Round kickoff is set for 3:00 PM EST on Sunday. This season is far from over.