Mike Vrabel sends warning to Patriots after playoff win over Chargers

Shortly after the New England Patriots advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs via their 16-3 wild-card home victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night, second-year New England quarterback Drake Maye acknowledged that he needs "to be better" in future must-win games. 

During a Monday morning appearance on Boston sports radio station WEEI, first-year Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel noted that Maye isn't the only offensive player who will have to give the club better performances to keep its season going through February.

Mike Vrabel knows Patriots must improve after win over Chargers

"There's a lot of things for us to improve on, starting at the top, all the way down," Vrabel said, per Tom Carroll of Audacy. "And I think that's what's been great about this thing is that we've all been willing to accept responsibility and improve and be critical of our performances and try to get better, because that's what we've talked about - that the teams that continue to improve are the ones that stick around." 

The Patriots defense ruled the evening, as they held the visitors to just three points and sacked Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert six times. In the game's fourth quarter, New England forced a turnover via a Herbert fumble. The Patriots later forced a turnover on downs. 

Meanwhile, Maye completed 17-of-29 passes for 268 yards with an interception and a touchdown that he tossed to tight end Hunter Henry in the fourth quarter.