New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel trusted his defense to make plays. Sunday the Pats did just that in their 16-3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Patriots have a stingy defense that replicates Vrabel's persona, while the offense has made strides with Maye despite a lack of star weapons (beyond 32-year-old Stefon Diggs). Regardless of how their season ends, the Patriots found their guy. They'll hope it's sustainable if they build on this properly.

The Patriots and Chargers play on Sunday in the wild-card playoff round of the 2025 NFL postseason. It's expected that linebacker Robert Spillane and offensive lineman Jared Wilson will start for the Patriots. Chargers running back Omarion Hampton is questionable to play with an ankle injury.

Drake Maye threw a touchdown pass to Hunter Henry in the fourth quarter, and New England’s defense roughed up Justin Herbert as the Patriots beat the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 in an AFC wild-card playoff game.

Highlights from the Wild Card Weekend matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and the New England Patriots during the 2025 NFL season.

The New England Patriots face off with the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night in the AFC Wild Card. Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes ask if the Patriots are in trouble, and they ask how much pressure is on Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills to win a Super Bowl this season.