Three underrated reasons for Patriots' playoff-clinching win

On Sunday, the New England Patriots (12-3) clinched a playoff berth by defeating the Baltimore Ravens (7-8), 28-24.

The stars of the game were New England quarterback Drake Maye (380 yards, two touchdowns) and wide receiver Stefon Diggs (nine catches, 138 yards), but there were other reasons for the Patriots' comeback victory. Here are three underrated reasons for Sunday's comeback win.

Losing to Buffalo Bills in Week 15

Entering the game against Buffalo, New England was on a 10-game win streak. With a 24-7 lead at halftime, things looked promising for the Patriots, but their momentum crumbled once the third quarter began.

The loss was frustrating, but it functioned as an ego check on a team that had not been humbled in nearly three months. Although the loss still hurts, since New England would have clinched the AFC East with a win, the offense and defense used their mistakes against Buffalo to grow. Against Baltimore, Maye threw for 225 more yards than he did against the Bills, and the defense recorded two turnovers.

Edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson's hustle

With around two minutes left in the game, Baltimore had the ball and a chance to take the lead. Chaisson, however, forced a fumble on WR Zay Flowers, and the Patriots won the game. 

What is especially impressive about this play is how quickly Chaisson went from rushing the QB to pursuing Flowers. Although the 26-year-old made the hustle play look easy, don't be fooled. This is a difficult play to make.