Chargers-Patriots takeaways: Drake Maye leads New England to first postseason win in seven years

It was not the MVP-type play from Maye in the first half, who completed a career-low 40% of his passes in any half of his young career. Sure, he committed both of New England's turnovers in the game, but he made several key plays throughout the night and stepped up in crunch time, leading the Patriots to their first postseason win since their Super Bowl LIII victory in 2019.

Justin Herbert's playoff struggles continue

Sunday night marked the sixth-year QB's third career playoff game. All three have been losses, including a blown 27-0 lead to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022 and a four-interception performance against the Houston Texans in 2024.

One issue the Chargers have had all season is pass protection. They were tied for the second-most sacks in the league (60) entering wild-card weekend and allowed six more to the Patriots.

While that did not help Herbert find any rhythm all night, he simply did not play well, completing just 19 of his 31 passes for 159 yards. He tacked on 57 rush yards, but this was not one of Herbert's better outings. For him to take that next step, he has to find a way to translate some of the regular-season success to the postseason and get more help from his offensive line.

Rhamondre Stevenson provides some balance for Patriots offense

Stevenson has not been the flashiest all season, especially since rookie TreVeyon Henderson's breakout during the second half of the season. With that said, he came to play against the Chargers, totaling 10 carries for 53 yards and three receptions for 75 yards, including a 48-yard reception on the first play of New England's third possession on its own two-yard line.

He did not have any TDs on Sunday night, but after combining for six in the three games coming in, Stevenson has earned himself some more playing time and has delivered in multiple ways. That was on display once again, even with New England backed up in its own end zone.

Chargers defense gets zero help

The Chargers did not allow a TD until the fourth quarter and sacked Maye five times, but it ultimately did not matter because of the poor offense. That was evident after linebacker Daiyan Henley picked off Maye to set the Chargers up at the 10-yard line, only for the offense to turn it over on downs.

It was hard to ask for much more from the defense, especially in a tough road environment in the playoffs. The offense, however, did nothing to back it up and sent the Chargers to an early postseason exit.