A lackluster performance from quarterback Drake Maye was overshadowed by the dominant display of the New England Patriots’ defense in their 16-3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers during the wild-card round of the AFC playoffs on January 7, 2024. Maye acknowledged his struggles, stating, “Wasn’t pretty, that’s for sure. But this defense was so fun to watch. They won the game for us.”
Maye completed 17 of 29 passes for 268 yards, including one touchdown, but he also threw one interception and lost a fumble. His first half was particularly challenging; he finished with a completion percentage of just 40%, the lowest of his season. “Just got to be better, whether it’s accuracy or ball placement or little things, making decisions faster,” he admitted.
Despite his inauspicious start, Maye rebounded in the second half, completing 11 of 14 passes for 173 yards. His most significant contribution came late in the game when he connected with tight end Hunter Henry for a critical 28-yard touchdown. This play, described by Patriots coach Mike Vrabel as an “elite” throw, extended the Patriots’ lead to 16-3 with 9:52 remaining.
Maye’s overall performance also included a notable rushing effort. He led the Patriots in rushing, accumulating 66 yards on 10 carries. This marked the first time a quarterback has been the team’s top rusher in a playoff game. His agility helped set up a 6-3 halftime lead with a critical 37-yard run that led to an Andy Borregales field goal.
The Patriots’ defense was instrumental in securing the victory, recording six sacks, which tied for the second most in franchise playoff history. As a result, the Chargers ended the game with just 207 yards of total offense. “Every time we got him, he got back up,” said Derwin James Jr., safety for the Chargers, praising Maye’s resilience.
The Patriots, who finished the regular season with a record of 15-3, will now host the winner of the upcoming game between the fourth-seeded Pittsburgh Steelers and the fifth-seeded Houston Texans. This victory also marked a significant milestone for Maye, as he became only the second Patriots quarterback in the last 35 years to win his first career playoff start, joining the ranks of Tom Brady.
As the playoffs continue, Maye’s performance will be crucial in determining how far the Patriots can advance. Despite his personal challenges, the team’s collective effort on both offense and defense positions them well for the next round.
