It was fitting that the play that sealed the game for the Patriots on Sunday night in Foxborough, where the Chargers were in town for the AFC wild-card game, was made by big defensive lineman Milton Williams throwing off two blockers as he bolted into the Chargers’ backfield. It was fourth down, with the Patriots ahead by two scores, and Williams got hold of L.A. quarterback Justin Herbert for a nine-yard sack with just under two minutes to play.
That returned the ball to the Patriots, with a 16-3 lead. One TreVeyon Henderson first down ended the game, and sends the Patriots on to the divisional round against the winner of the Steelers-Texans game on Monday night.
But this game was not about Henderson, nor was it about star quarterback and MVP candidate Drake Maye. No, this was all about the defense, which helped the Patriots overcome a fumble and an interception, both by Maye, who said after the game, “Props to the defense.”
Patriots Defense Saved Red Zone Turnover
Indeed, New England allowed only one field goal on the night, in the second quarter. The Patriots defense established itself early in the game when Maye was picked off on a batted pass on the team’s second possession, gifting the Chargers a first-and-goal from the 10. The Chargers drove to the 2-yard line but the Patriots forced an incompletion on fourth down.
This was the vision for the Patriots all along. While there was always a goal to rebuild the offensive line and the receiver corps to better support Maye, when the team set out to spend its trove of free-agent money last March, that money went to defensive additions–as coach Mike Vrabel saw it, building a top-notch defense would do as much to take pressure off of Maye as signing star offensive players.
Milton Williams Contract Pays Off
And so the biggest contract the Patriots gave out was the $104 million deal for Williams, who was a disruptor of that Chargers offensive line all night on Sunday, registering two sacks of Herbert. K’Lavon Chaisson, a bargain find by the Patriots for one year and $3 million, also racked up two sacks and forced a Herbert fumble.
Linebacker Robert Spillane, who has been big for the Patriots in the middle, was granted a three-year, $33 million contract, and registered six tackles and a pass defensed on the night. Many were surprised when the Patriots matched an offer sheet for fellow linebacker Christian Ellis (two years, $13.5 million), but there was Ellis with eight tackles, a quarterback hit and a pass defensed on the night.
GettyNew England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel
Patriots Defense Could Dominate Again
The Patriots invested heavily in the offense in last year’s draft, but used their cap space to overhaul the defense. That paid off with just 207 yards of offense allowed against a Chargers team that was 12th in yardage this season. The Patriots gave up just 87 yards rushing to a team that averaged 121.6 yards on the ground this season.
The defense could be in position to shine next week, too, as the Patriots will face either Pittsburgh or Houston.
By Pro Football Focus’ rankings, the Texans are only the 17th-rated offense in the league, while Pittsburgh was 22nd this year. The defense was outstanding on Sunday, and saved Maye from his own mistakes. They’ll get a chance to do it again next week.
Patriots’ Big Defensive Investments Pay Off in Playoff Win Over Chargers