New England Patriots (3-13) – Los Angeles Chargers (10-6): 7-40
A team with no other objective than to evaluate players with some semblance of value for next season, against another seeking to officially validate its entry ticket for the final stages. On paper this match between Patriots and Chargers had all the typical unbalanced confrontation that the NFL offers us at the end of the season. So when Cam Hart hits Drake Maye in the head, forcing the young quarterback to return to the locker room, we legitimately fear the Berezina for the locals. Fortunately the fear for Maye's health and the consistency of the encounter was only temporary.
Justin Herbert on his hand
Enough for Jacoby Brissett to not try and miss a pass… But also enough for Justin Herbert (26/38, 281 yards, 3 touchdowns, 3 races, 12 yards) to take advantage of the ambient fluctuation to bring his squad 91 yards, on a series finished by Derius Davis in the in-goal (0-7). The return of Drake Maye (12/22, 117 yards, 1 touchdown, 6 carries, 32 yards), on the field ultimately did not bring much to the game, other than a bit of relief among Patriots supporters. There was no consistency, the Californian lightning being a tone above their opponents in all areas of the game.
The proof with the following two offensive series. A first of 6 minutes and 43 seconds to put Cameron Dicker in position to add three more points to the scoreboard (0-10). And the second of 5 minutes and 40 seconds, with a touchdown from Ladd McConkey (8 receptions, 94 yards, 2 touchdowns) at the end of the chain (0-17). It's not spectacular, but terribly effective. Jim Harbaugh ball. The Chargers' defense does not have to force its talent to lock down the Patriots' attack, especially when it itself gives possession. Derwin James didn't ask for that much.
Drake Maye is resourceful
In the absence of a truly balanced game, Drake Maye offered the Gillette Stadium audience a sample of his talent. Here with a clear and determined race to win a first attempt, there taking advantage of a free play, following an offside by the Chargers, by going to pick up Pop Douglas far in the end zone of Los Angeles (7-17).
Free play Maye 🎯
📺: #LACvsNE on NFL Network
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His eighth consecutive game with a thrown touchdown, two units from the record for a rookie, owned by… Justin Herbert. He is no longer a rookie, and shows it upon returning from the locker room with a masterful drive, despite a penalty conceded on the punt return. Time will tell if this demonstration is to be tempered given the adversity, but going up 94 yards will rarely seem easier. Easy, like the final separation made by Ladd McConkey to score his second touchdown of the evening (7-27). After the number of receptions, the former Georgia receiver sets the receiving yards record for a first-year receiver in a Chargers jersey.
Dress rehearsal for the Chargers
The rest of the match ultimately only felt like a dress rehearsal before the playoffs. Both for the defense and for the other offensive players who have not distinguished themselves so far. JK Dobbins (19 races, 76 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 reception, 7 yards), in particular, who participated in the party by marking his return from injury with a touchdown (7-37). A touchdown signaling the end of the ball for the holders, but for Cameron Dicker (8/8), perfect this Saturday (7-40). After a chaotic 2023 season, the other Los Angeles team is returning to the playoffs this year.
