NFL Wild Card Weekend delivered a long-awaited breakthrough for New England, powered by poise at quarterback and a defense that dictated terms from kickoff to final kneel-down .
Sunday night at Gillette Stadium, the New England Patriots finally crossed a postseason barrier that had stood since Super Bowl LIII. Behind one decisive throw from rookie quarterback Drake Maye and a suffocating defensive display, New England closed out a 16–3 wild-card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers and advanced to the divisional round.
Final score and quick snapshot
New England 16, Los Angeles 3. The scoreboard stayed quiet for nearly three quarters, then swung on one precise strike. A single touchdown separated two defenses, and the Patriots controlled the rest with field position and discipline.
A game shaped by defense from the opening drive
From the first series, the Patriots dictated pace with pressure and coverage. The Chargers were limited to short gains and faced constant third-and-long situations. New England’s front recorded six sacks and allowed just 207 total yards, forcing Los Angeles to settle for field goals and punts rather than sustained drives.
The decisive moment in the fourth quarter
With the Patriots holding a 9–3 lead early in the fourth, the margin was thin. On play-action, Drake Maye identified tight end Hunter Henry breaking free in the end zone and delivered a 28-yard touchdown pass that changed the game’s geometry. It was the only touchdown of the night, and it effectively ended the contest.
The numbers that explain the outcome
- Total offense allowed: 207 yards by Los Angeles.
- Passing efficiency: Maye finished with 268 passing yards.
- Dual-threat impact: 66 rushing yards from the quarterback position.
- Defensive pressure: Six sacks and multiple disrupted red-zone snaps.
Drake Maye’s playoff debut under the microscope
The rookie quarterback did not dominate from start to finish, but control mattered more than flash. After a challenging first half, Maye adjusted decisively. He completed 11 of 14 passes after the break and added key scrambles that extended drives. The performance placed him in rare company, becoming one of only a handful of quarterbacks in league history to surpass both 250 passing yards and 50 rushing yards in a postseason game.
Why Los Angeles never found momentum
The Chargers entered with playoff experience at quarterback, but rhythm never developed. Early pressure forced quick throws, and late-game urgency increased risk. A tipped pass that turned into an interception inside Patriots territory summed up the night: promising opportunities erased by execution errors and defensive anticipation.
Coaching decisions that tilted the field
New England’s approach stayed conservative but deliberate. Field goals were taken when available, punts pinned Los Angeles deep, and offensive play-calling avoided unnecessary exposure. In a low-scoring playoff environment, patience proved decisive.
What this win represents for the Patriots
This victory marked the franchise’s first postseason win since February 2019. It also validated the organization’s long-term investment at quarterback. Winning without offensive fireworks highlighted a return to fundamentals: defense, situational awareness, and capitalizing on one defining opportunity.
Next stop on the playoff path
New England will host the winner of the Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers matchup in the divisional round. Momentum now meets expectation, and the margin for error narrows with each step forward.
FAQ: Patriots vs. Chargers Wild Card Game
1) What was the final score?
New England defeated Los Angeles 16–3.
2) Where was the game played?
Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
3) How many touchdowns were scored?
Only one touchdown was scored in the game.
4) Who threw the game’s only touchdown pass?
Drake Maye connected with Hunter Henry.
5) How long was the touchdown?
The touchdown covered 28 yards.
6) How many yards did Drake Maye pass for?
He threw for 268 yards.
7) Did Maye contribute on the ground?
Yes. He rushed for 66 yards.
8) How many sacks did the Patriots record?
New England recorded six sacks.
9) How many total yards did the Chargers gain?
Los Angeles was limited to 207 total yards.
10) Was this Maye’s first playoff game?
Yes. It was his playoff debut.
11) When was New England’s previous playoff win?
The Patriots last won a playoff game during Super Bowl LIII in February 2019.
12) Who coached the Patriots in this game?
Mike Vrabel led New England.
13) What was the score entering the fourth quarter?
The Patriots led 9–3.
14) Why was the game considered defense-driven?
Both teams were held without touchdowns for most of the night, and pressure dictated play-calling.
15) Did Los Angeles score after halftime?
No. The Chargers did not score in the second half.
16) What play ended realistic comeback hopes?
The Patriots’ touchdown drive early in the fourth quarter.
17) How did New England manage field position?
Through conservative offense, punts, and defensive stops.
18) Was this a high-scoring playoff game?
No. It was one of the lowest-scoring games of the weekend.
19) What stood out most statistically?
The combination of Maye’s passing and rushing output.
20) What is the main takeaway?
New England advanced by staying composed, defending relentlessly, and striking once with precision.
Last updated: January 12, 2026
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- Hilton Garden Inn Foxborough/Patriot Place
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10 Best Things to Do around Gillette Stadium
- Gillette Stadium
- Campus Attractions at Gillette Stadium
- The Patriots Hall of Fame presented by RTX
- Patriot Place (shopping, dining, entertainment)
- Lighthouse Landing & Lookout Observation Deck
- Patriots ProShop
- Wrentham Village Premium Outlets
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- Visit Foxborough / Plainville / Wrentham (local guide)
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