"Those wondering how Mike Vrabel's young team and quarterback would handle the pressure of a home playoff game in January got their answer on Sunday night. The New England Patriots are advancing largely because of their defense's ability to create relentless pressure on Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert. He was pressured 16 times, and that led to 11 QB hits, six sacks, and two forced fumbles."
"And while it definitely wasn't pretty at times, the Patriots are also advancing because of their own young QB, Drake Maye, who made enough plays in the second half under constant duress from the Chargers' front to salt away a 16-3 win inside a rocking Gillette Stadium. There were plays Maye would love to have back, especially his pair of fumbles inside collapsing pockets,"
"Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter was one of the best in the business in 2025, and it was painfully obvious where he felt the weakness in Maye's protection was on Sunday night. Los Angeles feasted on Maye's blind side, often deploying multiple rushers on the left side against Patriots rookies Will Campbell and Jared Wilson. It was a formula that limited the Patriots' explosive offense to just six points in the first half."
New England advanced after the defense generated relentless pressure on Justin Herbert, who faced 16 pressures that produced 11 QB hits, six sacks and two forced fumbles. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye endured heavy pressure but used his legs and creativity to preserve a 16-3 win, despite two fumbles inside collapsing pockets. Chargers coordinator Jesse Minter attacked Maye's blind side, repeatedly sending multiple rushers at the left side. Patriots rookies Will Campbell and Jared Wilson combined to allow 11 of New England's 14 QB pressures and all three sacks. Left-side protection problems remain a major concern entering the divisional round.
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