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.
"Jayden Daniels' fierce competitiveness never tires. Even when the Washington Commanders were getting blown out by the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football, head coach Dan Quinn relied on his signal-caller to salvage some semblance of respectability from another prime-time debacle. This was a grave error in judgment. Daniels suffered what is reportedly a dislocated left elbow that will leave him on the shelf for an extended period - potentially even for the rest of 2025."