The energy in Foxborough right now is basically electric, and if you're asking who won the football game today patriots, the answer is a massive sigh of relief for every fan who suffered through the post-Brady drought.
New England just took down the Los Angeles Chargers with a suffocating 16-3 victory. It wasn't the prettiest game. Honestly, it was a defensive slugfest that felt more like a 1990s throwback than a modern NFL shootout. But a win is a win, especially when it’s your first taste of postseason success in seven long years.
The Defense Simply Wouldn't Break
Mike Vrabel has this unit playing like a bunch of heat-seeking missiles. They absolutely rattled Justin Herbert from the first snap. Six sacks. Let that sink in. Herbert is one of the most talented arms in the league, but he looked completely lost under the relentless pressure dialed up by acting defensive play-caller Zak Kuhr.
Milton Williams was a man possessed. He capped off the night with a fourth-down sack that basically put the game on ice. And then, in a moment that perfectly captures this new era of Patriots football, he accidentally bloodied Vrabel’s lip during a celebratory head-butt.
"The big dogs come out in January," Vrabel joked after the game, wiping blood from his face. "He got me pretty good. But that's what happens."
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The Chargers were held to just 207 total yards. They went 1-for-13 on late downs. In the red zone? They were a big fat zero for two.
Drake Maye’s Playoff Debut: Gritty, Not Perfect
Everyone was watching to see how the rookie would handle the bright lights. Drake Maye finished 17 of 29 for 268 yards. He added 66 yards on the ground, leading the team in rushing. He’s got that "it" factor, even when he’s making mistakes.
He did turn the ball over twice—a pick and a fumble—but the defense had his back every single time. The turning point was early in the fourth quarter. Maye connected with Kayshon Boutte for 16 yards, then Rhamondre Stevenson ripped off a 13-yard chunk. Finally, Maye floated a beautiful 28-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Henry.
That score made it 16-3, and you could feel the air leave the Chargers’ sideline.
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Key Stats From the Wild Card Victory
- Final Score: Patriots 16, Chargers 3
- Total Sacks: 6 (New England defense)
- Rushing Yards: Rhamondre Stevenson (128 total scrimmage yards)
- Postseason Milestone: First playoff win since Super Bowl LIII in 2019
What This Means for the Patriots
This isn't just a fluke victory. The Patriots are now 15-3 on the season. They’ve turned a 14-win regular season into a legitimate championship run. The "house money" vibe is gone; this team expects to be in the AFC Championship.
The defense is the real deal. When you can hold a high-powered offense to a single field goal, you're going to be a nightmare for anyone in the divisional round.
Speaking of which, the road doesn't get easier. New England is set to host the Houston Texans next Sunday at Gillette Stadium. The Texans are coming off a gutsy win of their own, and C.J. Stroud vs. this New England secondary is going to be the matchup of the weekend.
Injuries to Watch
It wasn't all celebrations in the locker room. The secondary took a couple of hits that could be major factors next week.
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- Christian Gonzalez: Left the game in the second half with a head injury. Losing your top corner before facing Houston’s receivers is a scary thought.
- Carlton Davis: Dealing with a toe injury. He returned to the game, but he looked a step slow.
If these guys aren't at 100%, the Patriots' "bend-but-don't-break" style will be tested to the limit.
Practical Steps for the Divisional Round
If you're planning on heading to Gillette Stadium for the showdown against the Texans, tickets are already hitting the secondary market with a starting price around $285.
- Check the Weather: It’s Foxborough in January. Expect freezing temps and potentially some light snow.
- Tune In: The game is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, at 3:00 PM EST on ESPN/ABC.
- Watch the Injury Report: Keep a close eye on the concussion protocol for Gonzalez throughout the week.
The Patriots are back. It took seven years, a coaching change, and a new franchise quarterback, but the postseason path once again runs through New England.