Chargers vs New England Patriots Match Player Stats
The chargers vs new england patriots match player stats provide a detailed look at how the New England Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs on January 12, 2026, according to the supplied ESPN box score. New England combined productive quarterback play, an effective rushing attack, reliable kicking, and a disruptive defensive performance to control the game. The Chargers, meanwhile, struggled to turn their offensive possessions into points despite recording 159 passing yards and 87 rushing yards.
This matchup is particularly interesting because the final score does not tell the entire story. Justin Herbert contributed 57 rushing yards, and the Chargers recorded five sacks, but their offense failed to score a touchdown. Drake Maye provided the Patriots with a more balanced offensive performance, throwing for 268 yards and adding 66 rushing yards. New England’s defense also recorded six sacks and 11 quarterback hits, placing consistent pressure on Herbert.
In this comprehensive breakdown, we examine quarterback statistics, rushing and receiving performances, defensive contributions, kicking results, scoring by quarter, and the key differences that shaped the outcome. The goal is to explain not only which players recorded the strongest numbers, but also what those numbers reveal about the game.
Chargers vs New England Patriots Match Player Stats: Game Overview
The Patriots entered the matchup with a 14-3 overall record, while the Chargers had an 11-6 record. New England’s home advantage and stronger defensive performance proved important as the game progressed.
| Match Detail | Result |
| Competition | AFC Wild Card Playoffs |
| Date | January 12, 2026 |
| Home team | New England Patriots |
| Away team | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Final score | Patriots 16, Chargers 3 |
| Patriots record | 14-3 overall, 6-3 at home |
| Chargers record | 11-6 overall, 5-3 away |
| Patriots passing leader | Drake Maye |
| Chargers passing leader | Justin Herbert |
| Patriots receiving leader | Rhamondre Stevenson |
| Chargers receiving leader | Ladd McConkey |
| Patriots defensive leader | Craig Woodson, 11 total tackles |
| Chargers defensive leader | Daiyan Henley, 13 total tackles |
The most important statistical difference was the Patriots’ ability to combine passing production with rushing efficiency. New England accumulated 146 rushing yards and 268 passing yards in its individual player statistics, while the Chargers recorded 87 rushing yards and 159 passing yards.
There is a small but important distinction between individual player totals and official team passing totals in the supplied data. Drake Maye’s individual passing line lists 268 yards, whereas the team passing summary lists 235 yards. These figures should not be combined or treated as interchangeable. The individual and team figures are presented separately throughout this analysis, and the discrepancy should be checked against the official box score before publication as a definitive statistical record.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Breakdown
The Patriots’ 16-3 victory developed through a low-scoring first half, a narrow third-quarter advantage, and a decisive fourth-quarter touchdown. New England did not score in the opening quarter, but its offense eventually found enough consistency to create separation.
| Quarter | Chargers | Patriots | Key Development |
| First | 0 | 0 | Both defenses kept the game scoreless |
| Second | 3 | 6 | Field goals put New England ahead |
| Third | 0 | 3 | Andy Borregales extended the lead |
| Fourth | 0 | 7 | Drake Maye connected with Hunter Henry for a touchdown |
| Final | 3 | 16 | New England won by 13 points |
First Quarter: Defensive Pressure Sets the Tone
Neither team scored in the opening quarter. The lack of points reflected the defensive intensity and the difficulty of sustaining productive possessions.
For the Chargers, the challenge was establishing an efficient passing rhythm. Herbert needed time to identify openings, but New England’s pass rush eventually became a major problem. The Patriots also had to work through a difficult offensive start rather than immediately establishing control.
A scoreless opening quarter can be misleading when evaluating offensive quality. It does not automatically mean both offenses played poorly. In this matchup, however, the subsequent scoring pattern confirmed that converting promising situations into points would remain difficult for Los Angeles.
Second Quarter: New England Takes a 6-3 Lead
The Patriots opened the scoring with a 23-yard field goal by Andy Borregales. The Chargers responded with a 21-yard field goal from Cameron Dicker, making the score 3-3.
New England then added another field goal, this time from 35 yards, to finish the half ahead 6-3.
The Patriots’ ability to score twice in the quarter gave them a narrow advantage without requiring an early touchdown. The Chargers also had a major opportunity after an interception by linebacker Daiyan Henley, but the defense held when Los Angeles reached a fourth-down situation near the goal line.
That failed opportunity mattered because the Chargers had created a chance to score from excellent field position. Instead of taking the lead, they came away without points from the possession.
Third Quarter: The Patriots Extend Their Advantage
Borregales converted a 39-yard field goal to make the score 9-3. New England had reached a promising position, but its possession ended after Maye lost a fumble on a strip-sack by Odafe Oweh.
The Chargers recovered the ball, yet they could not turn the turnover into a scoring drive.
This sequence illustrates a critical difference between generating defensive opportunities and capitalizing on them. Los Angeles produced an interception and a fumble recovery, but the resulting possessions did not provide enough points to change the game’s direction.
Fourth Quarter: Maye and Henry Deliver the Decisive Play
The decisive offensive moment came when Maye connected with Hunter Henry on a 28-yard touchdown pass. Borregales added the extra point, extending the Patriots’ lead to 16-3.
New England’s scoring drive benefited from a 42-yard reception by Kayshon Boutte and a 13-yard rushing gain by Rhamondre Stevenson. Those plays helped move the offense into a position to attack downfield.
The Chargers still had time to respond, but Herbert was sacked by K’Lavon Chaisson, who recovered the resulting fumble. Later, Milton Williams recorded another sack on fourth down to end Los Angeles’ final meaningful opportunity.
The fourth quarter demonstrated why the final score was not simply a story about kicking. The Patriots combined field position, explosive plays, a touchdown connection, and defensive pressure to finish the game decisively.
Quarterback Comparison: Drake Maye vs. Justin Herbert
Quarterback performance was central to the outcome. Both players faced defensive pressure and experienced difficult moments, but Maye produced the more effective overall offensive performance.
| Passing Statistic | Drake Maye | Justin Herbert |
| Completions | 17 | 19 |
| Pass attempts | 29 | 31 |
| Completion percentage | 58.6% | 61.3% |
| Passing yards | 268 | 159 |
| Yards per attempt | 9.2 | 5.1 |
| Passing touchdowns | 1 | 0 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 0 |
| Sacks taken | 5 | 6 |
| Yards lost on sacks | 33 | 39 |
| Passer rating | 86.6 | 74.5 |
| ESPN QBR | 68.6 | 28.0 |
| Rushing attempts | 10 | 10 |
| Rushing yards | 66 | 57 |
Individual quarterback passing statistics are reproduced from the supplied ESPN box-score data. Team passing totals are discussed separately below.
Drake Maye: Strong Downfield Production
Maye completed 17 of 29 passes for 268 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His reported 9.2 yards per attempt indicates that New England gained substantially more passing yardage per attempt than Los Angeles.
The most notable feature of his performance was the combination of passing production and mobility. Maye rushed for 66 yards on 10 carries, averaging 6.6 yards per attempt. His longest run covered 37 yards.
This dual-threat contribution gave the Patriots another way to move the ball when the pocket became uncomfortable. A quarterback who can gain meaningful yardage on designed runs or scrambles forces defenders to account for an additional threat instead of focusing exclusively on receivers.
Maye was not mistake-free. He threw an interception and lost a fumble. Those errors created opportunities for the Chargers, and they remain important when assessing his performance objectively.
However, the mistakes did not prevent him from producing the game’s decisive touchdown. His 28-yard pass to Henry demonstrated his ability to deliver an accurate downfield throw when New England needed to convert offensive momentum into points.
Key takeaway: Maye’s combination of passing efficiency, rushing ability, and late-game execution gave the Patriots an offensive advantage despite his turnovers.
Justin Herbert: Accurate Enough, but Not Productive Enough
Herbert completed 19 of 31 passes for 159 yards. He did not throw an interception or a touchdown, and his completion percentage was slightly higher than Maye’s.
Those numbers might initially suggest a competitive quarterback performance. The deeper issue was how little yardage the Chargers generated through the passing game.
Herbert averaged 5.1 yards per attempt, compared with Maye’s reported 9.2. He also absorbed six sacks for 39 yards in lost yardage. The result was a passing attack that struggled to create the explosive plays needed to challenge New England’s lead.
Herbert’s rushing performance was more encouraging. He carried the ball 10 times for 57 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. His mobility helped compensate for some of the limitations of the passing game, but it could not replace the need for successful throws and sustained drives.
The reported circumstances surrounding the game also deserve context. The Associated Press recap noted that Herbert was playing shortly after surgery on a broken bone in his non-throwing hand. Coach Jim Harbaugh acknowledged that Herbert was not fully healthy, although Herbert himself said the injury was not the issue.
That context does not change the statistical result, but it helps explain why a quarterback’s raw numbers should not be interpreted without considering the circumstances in which they were produced.
Key takeaway: Herbert avoided interceptions but could not generate enough passing yardage or touchdown production to keep the Chargers competitive.
Rushing Statistics: New England Controls the Ground Game
The running game was an important part of New England’s ability to control the contest. The Patriots recorded 146 rushing yards on 29 attempts, while the Chargers gained 87 yards on 22 attempts.
| Rushing Player | Team | Attempts | Yards | Average | Longest Run | TDs |
| Drake Maye | Patriots | 10 | 66 | 6.6 | 37 | 0 |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | Patriots | 10 | 53 | 5.3 | 13 | 0 |
| TreVeyon Henderson | Patriots | 9 | 27 | 3.0 | 15 | 0 |
| Justin Herbert | Chargers | 10 | 57 | 5.7 | 16 | 0 |
| Kimani Vidal | Chargers | 11 | 31 | 2.8 | 10 | 0 |
| Omarion Hampton | Chargers | 1 | -1 | -1.0 | -1 | 0 |
Drake Maye Leads New England on the Ground
Maye was New England’s leading rusher with 66 yards. His 37-yard run was particularly valuable because a single long gain can change field position without requiring multiple successful passing plays.
His mobility also created a problem for the Chargers’ defensive structure. When defenders committed to the running backs or dropped into coverage, Maye could exploit space with his legs.
That does not mean every quarterback run is automatically beneficial. Designed runs and scrambles can expose a quarterback to contact, and Maye’s fumble showed the risks involved in operating under pressure. Nevertheless, his rushing production was a clear strength in this game.
Rhamondre Stevenson Provides a Reliable Complement
Stevenson recorded 53 rushing yards on 10 carries, averaging 5.3 yards per attempt. His production gave the Patriots another dependable option rather than forcing Maye to create every positive play himself.
Stevenson’s contribution was also important in the passing game, where he led New England in receiving yards. This versatility made him one of the most influential offensive players in the matchup.
When a running back contributes in both phases, the defense must prepare for more than one type of play. That can complicate personnel decisions and create opportunities for play-action passing.
TreVeyon Henderson Adds Depth
Henderson gained 27 yards on nine carries. His 3.0-yard average was lower than those of Maye and Stevenson, but his involvement helped New England distribute its rushing workload.
His statistical contribution was smaller, yet it formed part of the overall ground-game strategy. The Patriots did not depend entirely on one runner to generate their 146 rushing yards.
Justin Herbert Is the Chargers’ Leading Rusher
Herbert’s 57 rushing yards made him the Chargers’ most productive runner. That is a notable statistic for a team whose primary offensive responsibility rested with its quarterback.
Kimani Vidal gained 31 yards on 11 attempts, averaging 2.8 yards per carry. Omarion Hampton had one carry for minus-one yard.
The Chargers’ 87-yard team rushing total was not negligible, but it lacked the same overall impact as New England’s 146 yards. The Patriots gained 59 more rushing yards and averaged one additional yard per attempt.
Rushing verdict: New England had the more productive ground attack, and Maye’s mobility was a particularly important difference between the teams.
Receiving Statistics: Rhamondre Stevenson Leads the Patriots
New England’s receiving production was spread across several players. Stevenson led the team with 75 yards, Kayshon Boutte contributed 66, and Henry supplied the only receiving touchdown recorded by either team.
The Chargers, by comparison, did not record a receiving touchdown.
Patriots Receiving Leaders
| Receiver | Receptions | Yards | Average per Catch | Longest Catch | Targets | TDs |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | 3 | 75 | 25.0 | 48 | 4 | 0 |
| Kayshon Boutte | 4 | 66 | 16.5 | 42 | 4 | 0 |
| Hunter Henry | 3 | 64 | 21.3 | 28 | 5 | 1 |
| Efton Chism III | 1 | 20 | 20.0 | 20 | 1 | 0 |
| Stefon Diggs | 2 | 16 | 8.0 | 9 | 5 | 0 |
| TreVeyon Henderson | 1 | 9 | 9.0 | 9 | 1 | 0 |
| Jack Westover | 1 | 8 | 8.0 | 8 | 1 | 0 |
| Kyle Williams | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| DeMario Douglas | 1 | 3 | 3.0 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Austin Hooper | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Rhamondre Stevenson: The Most Productive Receiver by Yardage
Stevenson’s three receptions produced 75 yards, including a 48-yard gain. His average of 25 yards per reception was the highest among New England’s listed receivers.
Those numbers show that receiving production was not limited to traditional wide receivers. Stevenson created significant value as a pass catcher, adding a downfield dimension to his rushing contribution.
His performance also highlights why receptions alone are not a complete measure of a receiver’s influence. Three catches can have more impact than a much larger number of short receptions if those catches generate substantial yardage and improve field position.
Kayshon Boutte Provides Explosive Plays
Boutte caught four passes for 66 yards, averaging 16.5 yards per reception. His longest reception covered 42 yards.
That long gain was especially important because it helped the Patriots establish a favorable position before the field goal that extended their lead to 9-3. His contribution was therefore relevant even though he did not score a touchdown.
Boutte’s performance illustrates how a receiver can influence a game without appearing in the scoring summary. Gaining chunks of yardage can reduce the number of plays required to reach scoring range.
Hunter Henry Delivers the Game’s Only Touchdown
Henry finished with three receptions for 64 yards and one touchdown. His average of 21.3 yards per catch reflected an effective downfield contribution.
The most important play was his 28-yard touchdown reception from Maye in the fourth quarter. That connection turned a six-point lead into a 13-point advantage after the extra point.
The touchdown was more than a personal milestone. It changed the strategic situation for both teams. New England could focus on maintaining defensive pressure, while the Chargers had to pursue a comeback without the benefit of an established passing rhythm.
Stefon Diggs and the Supporting Receivers
Diggs recorded two catches for 16 yards on five targets. His yardage total was modest, but his presence remained part of a receiving group that offered Maye multiple options.
Efton Chism III added 20 yards on one reception, while Henderson, Westover, Kyle Williams, and DeMario Douglas also recorded catches.
The Patriots’ receiving numbers indicate that the offense distributed opportunities among several players. The most influential gains came from Stevenson, Boutte, and Henry, but the supporting options helped maintain variety.
Chargers Receiving Leaders
| Receiver | Receptions | Yards | Average per Catch | Longest Catch | Targets | TDs |
| Ladd McConkey | 3 | 32 | 10.7 | 20 | 4 | 0 |
| Oronde Gadsden | 3 | 30 | 10.0 | 10 | 3 | 0 |
| Keenan Allen | 3 | 25 | 8.3 | 10 | 8 | 0 |
| Kimani Vidal | 2 | 20 | 10.0 | 11 | 3 | 0 |
| Tre’ Harris | 2 | 20 | 10.0 | 14 | 3 | 0 |
| Quentin Johnston | 3 | 20 | 6.7 | 9 | 6 | 0 |
| Tucker Fisk | 3 | 12 | 4.0 | 7 | 3 | 0 |
Ladd McConkey Leads Los Angeles
McConkey recorded three receptions for 32 yards, making him the Chargers’ leading receiver by yardage. He averaged 10.7 yards per catch.
Oronde Gadsden followed closely with 30 yards on three receptions. Keenan Allen also caught three passes, finishing with 25 yards on eight targets.
Allen’s target total is worth noting. He received more opportunities than any other listed Chargers receiver but finished with a relatively modest yardage total. That difference suggests the passing game was unable to turn a meaningful number of opportunities into large gains.
Quentin Johnston caught three passes for 20 yards, while Vidal and Tre’ Harris each recorded 20 receiving yards. Tucker Fisk added 12 yards on three catches.
No Chargers receiver scored a touchdown. The receiving group recorded 159 combined yards according to the supplied team receiving summary, but that production did not translate into a touchdown.
Receiving verdict: New England had greater explosive-play production and converted a key passing opportunity into the game’s only touchdown.
Defensive Player Stats: The Patriots’ Biggest Advantage
Defense was the defining factor in the final result. New England recorded six sacks and 11 quarterback hits, while Los Angeles finished with five sacks and five quarterback hits.
The Chargers generated pressure of their own, but the Patriots were more successful at limiting the opposing offense’s overall production. Los Angeles finished with 207 total net yards, compared with New England’s 381.
| Defensive Statistic | Chargers | Patriots |
| Total tackles | 62 | 70 |
| Solo tackles | 38 | 36 |
| Sacks | 5 | 6 |
| Tackles for loss | 7 | 6 |
| Passes defended | 2 | 5 |
| Quarterback hits | 5 | 11 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 0 |
| Defensive touchdowns | 0 | 0 |
These figures demonstrate why defensive evaluation requires more than counting sacks. Los Angeles recorded seven tackles for loss, one more than New England, and secured an interception. The Patriots, however, generated more quarterback hits, recorded another sack, and defended more passes.
The difference in total offensive yardage is especially important. New England gained 174 more net yards than Los Angeles. That gap reflected the combined effect of better passing production, a stronger running game, and the ability to generate larger gains.
Craig Woodson Leads the Patriots in Tackles
Craig Woodson finished with 11 total tackles, including seven solo tackles and one tackle for loss.
His tackle total led the Patriots’ defense. While tackles do not automatically establish that a player had the strongest defensive performance, they provide useful information about involvement in stopping offensive plays.
Woodson’s contribution helped New England maintain defensive discipline against a Chargers offense that used Herbert as both a passer and a runner.
Christian Elliss recorded eight tackles, while Jack Gibbens added seven. Marcus Jones and Robert Spillane each recorded six tackles.
The defensive performance was therefore not dependent on one player alone. Several Patriots contributed to the effort, allowing the team to maintain pressure throughout the contest.
Milton Williams and K’Lavon Chaisson Pressure Herbert
Milton Williams and K’Lavon Chaisson were particularly important in the pass rush.
Williams recorded two sacks and two quarterback hits in the supplied defensive statistics. His fourth-down sack of Herbert ended the Chargers’ final meaningful possession.
Chaisson also recorded two sacks and three quarterback hits. His strip-sack in the fourth quarter resulted in a fumble recovery and helped prevent Los Angeles from building momentum after the Patriots’ touchdown.
An important distinction is that the Patriots’ six total sacks were distributed across multiple defenders. The team’s pass rush was a collective effort rather than the achievement of one dominant player.
The impact extended beyond the sacks themselves. Quarterback hits can disrupt timing, force hurried decisions, and make it harder for receivers to complete their routes. The Patriots recorded 11 such hits, more than twice the Chargers’ five.
Daiyan Henley Leads the Chargers’ Defense
Henley recorded 13 total tackles, nine solo tackles, and one pass defended. He also intercepted Maye, making him one of the Chargers’ most productive defensive players.
His interception created a major opportunity for Los Angeles. The Chargers took possession near the Patriots’ goal line, but the defense stopped the ensuing fourth-down attempt.
That sequence captures both the value and the limitation of Henley’s performance. He made a significant individual play, but the offense could not convert the resulting field position into points.
Odafe Oweh also made a substantial contribution, recording three sacks and three quarterback hits in the supplied defensive line. His strip-sack of Maye was a major defensive moment.
Teair Tart recorded a sack and a pass defended, while Tuli Tuipulotu added another sack.
The Chargers’ five sacks show that their defensive front was capable of disrupting New England. The issue was that the offense did not take full advantage of the defensive stops.
Why the Patriots’ Pass Rush Changed the Game
New England’s pressure affected several aspects of the Chargers’ offense:
- Passing efficiency: Herbert averaged 5.1 yards per attempt.
- Lost yardage: Six sacks cost the Chargers 39 yards.
- Turnover opportunities: The Patriots recovered a fumble following a strip-sack.
- Late-game control: A fourth-down sack ended the Chargers’ final meaningful possession.
A strong pass rush can influence a game even when it does not produce a turnover. The quarterback may have less time to read the field, receivers may have fewer opportunities to complete longer routes, and the offense may be forced into shorter, less productive plays.
The Patriots’ 11 quarterback hits are therefore a useful companion statistic to the six sacks. Together, they show a defense that repeatedly challenged Herbert’s ability to operate comfortably.
Turnovers and Ball Security
Turnovers did not tell a simple story in this game. Both teams recorded two fumbles and lost one, while the Chargers also intercepted Maye.
| Turnover Statistic | Chargers | Patriots |
| Fumbles | 2 | 2 |
| Fumbles lost | 1 | 1 |
| Interceptions thrown | 0 | 1 |
| Interceptions recorded by defense | 1 | 0 |
The Patriots Survive Their Offensive Mistakes
Maye threw an interception and lost a fumble. Both errors could have changed the game’s momentum, especially in a playoff setting where possessions are valuable.
The interception came when Henley intercepted a pass that had been tipped by Tart. The Chargers then had an opportunity to take control but failed to score.
Maye’s lost fumble occurred after Oweh’s strip-sack. Los Angeles recovered the ball, but the possession again failed to produce points.
These plays highlight an important lesson about turnover statistics: a turnover’s effect depends partly on what the opposing team does next. A defense can create an excellent opportunity, but the offense still has to convert it into a scoring result.
Herbert’s Fumble Becomes a Turning Point
Herbert also fumbled twice, losing one. The critical mistake came after the Patriots had extended their lead to 16-3.
Chaisson strip-sacked Herbert and recovered the loose ball. This ended the Chargers’ opportunity to respond with a scoring drive and allowed New England to protect its advantage.
The Patriots did not need to win the turnover count to win the game. Instead, their defense made the most of the moments when Los Angeles became vulnerable.
Turnover verdict: Both offenses lost one fumble, and New England threw one interception. The decisive difference was the Patriots’ ability to prevent the Chargers from turning their takeaways into points.
Special Teams: Andy Borregales vs. Cameron Dicker
Special teams provided a reliable source of points for New England. Borregales converted all three field-goal attempts and his extra-point attempt, while Dicker made the Chargers’ only field goal.
| Kicker | Team | Field Goals | Accuracy | Longest Field Goal | Extra Points | Total Points |
| Andy Borregales | Patriots | 3/3 | 100% | 39 yards | 1/1 | 10 |
| Cameron Dicker | Chargers | 1/1 | 100% | 21 yards | 0/0 | 3 |
Borregales Keeps the Patriots on the Scoreboard
Borregales contributed 10 points, including three field goals and one extra point. His field goals came from 23, 35, and 39 yards.
Those successful attempts allowed New England to build a lead even when its offense could not finish possessions with touchdowns.
In a defensive game, dependable kicking can be a major advantage. The Patriots did not need every promising drive to end in the end zone because Borregales consistently converted their scoring opportunities.
His 39-yard field goal in the third quarter extended the lead to 9-3 and provided some breathing room before the decisive touchdown.
Dicker Converts the Chargers’ Only Field Goal
Dicker made his only attempt, a 21-yard field goal. His perfect accuracy was a positive individual result, but the Chargers created too few successful scoring opportunities to make a meaningful difference.
The kicker cannot be blamed for a lack of offensive touchdowns when the offense fails to create the necessary opportunities. Dicker completed his available scoring task.
Punting and Return Contributions
JK Scott punted five times for 211 yards, averaging 42.2 yards per punt. Three of his punts landed inside the 20-yard line.
Bryce Baringer punted three times for 130 yards, averaging 43.3 yards. Two of his punts landed inside the 20-yard line.
On kickoff returns, Derius Davis recorded four returns for 100 yards, averaging 25.0 yards. Jaret Patterson added one return for 28 yards.
For New England, Chism recorded two kickoff returns for 48 yards, while Marcus Jones returned two punts for a total of two yards.
The return statistics show that the Chargers generated more kickoff-return yardage. However, those gains did not overcome the offense’s inability to score touchdowns.
Team Statistics: Where New England Gained Its Advantage
Individual performances become more meaningful when viewed alongside the overall team numbers. The official NFL game statistics provide a useful summary of how the teams compared in total production, efficiency, and possession.
| Team Statistic | Chargers | Patriots |
| Final score | 3 | 16 |
| First downs | 17 | 19 |
| Total net yards | 207 | 381 |
| Rushing yards | 87 | 146 |
| Net passing yards | 120 | 235 |
| Gross passing yards | 159 | 268 |
| Offensive plays | 59 | 64 |
| Average gain per play | 3.5 | 6.0 |
| Third-down efficiency | 1/10 | 4/11 |
| Fourth-down efficiency | 1/3 | 1/1 |
| Time of possession | 27:45 | 32:15 |
| Penalties | 4 for 20 yards | 2 for 35 yards |
| Fumbles lost | 1 | 1 |
Total Yardage Shows the Scale of the Difference
The Patriots finished with 381 total net yards, while the Chargers recorded 207. New England’s advantage of 174 yards was substantial.
The Patriots averaged 6.0 yards per offensive play, compared with 3.5 for Los Angeles. This means New England generated more yardage from each play on average, not merely from running more plays.
The difference also explains why the final score was not simply a product of field goals. New England’s offense created a much larger volume of yardage, giving the team more opportunities to control field position and sustain drives.
Third-Down Efficiency Favours New England
The Chargers converted one of 10 third-down attempts, a 10% success rate. The Patriots converted four of 11, approximately 36.4%.
Third-down performance is useful because it indicates whether an offense can extend drives when it needs another successful play.
Los Angeles struggled to do so. Even when the Chargers gained some yardage, their inability to convert third downs limited their ability to sustain possessions.
New England was not outstanding on every third down, but its higher conversion rate helped keep drives alive and reduced the pressure on its defense.
Fourth-Down Decisions and Execution
The Chargers converted one of three fourth-down attempts, while the Patriots converted their only attempt.
Fourth-down situations often involve difficult strategic decisions. Coaches must weigh the distance required, the location of the ball, the score, and the risks of giving the opponent possession.
The statistics alone do not establish whether every decision was correct. However, the Patriots executed their only attempt successfully, while Los Angeles failed to convert two of its three attempts.
That difference contributed to the broader pattern of New England finishing important situations more effectively.
Time of Possession and Penalties
New England held the ball for 32 minutes and 15 seconds, compared with 27 minutes and 45 seconds for the Chargers.
The Patriots’ possession advantage was four minutes and 30 seconds. That helped them manage the pace of the game and gave their defense additional opportunities to rest between possessions.
Penalties tell a more mixed story. The Chargers committed four penalties for 20 yards, while the Patriots committed two for 35 yards. New England had fewer penalties but lost more yardage to them.
This is a useful reminder that penalty counts alone do not reveal their full impact. The timing, location, and consequences of each penalty matter as much as the raw total.
The stronger overall indicators for New England were its total yardage, average gain per play, third-down efficiency, and time of possession.
What the Player Statistics Reveal About the Match
The numbers provide several lessons about why New England won and why Los Angeles struggled to recover.
1. Explosive Passing Plays Created Separation
Maye’s individual passing line listed 268 yards, compared with Herbert’s 159. Stevenson, Boutte, and Henry all produced important receiving gains.
New England did not rely on short completions alone. Its ability to generate substantial yardage on individual catches helped create scoring opportunities and kept the Chargers’ defense under pressure.
2. The Patriots Had More Ways to Move the Ball
Maye and Stevenson combined for 119 rushing yards. The Patriots also had receiving contributions from several players, making it harder for the Chargers to focus on a single offensive threat.
Los Angeles relied more heavily on Herbert to generate offense. His 57 rushing yards were valuable, but the team needed more production from its passing attack to complement his mobility.
3. Defensive Pressure Limited Herbert’s Options
Six sacks and 11 quarterback hits created a difficult environment for the Chargers’ quarterback. Herbert finished without a passing touchdown, and the team recorded no offensive touchdowns.
New England’s defense also benefited from its ability to finish important possessions with sacks. Williams’ late sack on fourth down was particularly significant because it removed the Chargers’ remaining opportunity to mount a comeback.
4. The Chargers Did Not Capitalize on Takeaways
Henley’s interception and Oweh’s strip-sack gave Los Angeles opportunities to score. Yet those defensive successes did not produce enough points to shift the game’s momentum.
This was one of the clearest differences between making a good defensive play and winning the resulting possession.
5. Special Teams Helped New England Build Its Lead
Borregales scored 10 points, making all three of his field goals and his extra point. Those points helped the Patriots maintain their advantage while both offenses struggled to find the end zone.
The Patriots’ scoring strategy was effective because it combined reliable kicking with a defense capable of preventing the Chargers from responding.
How to Interpret Football Player Statistics Correctly
For readers comparing NFL games, several statistical distinctions help prevent misleading conclusions.
Passing yards versus net passing yards: Gross passing yards describe the yardage gained through completed passes. Net passing yards subtract yardage lost on sacks. In this game, the official team statistics listed 268 gross passing yards and 235 net passing yards for New England, while Los Angeles recorded 159 gross passing yards and 120 net passing yards.
Completion percentage versus passing efficiency: Completion percentage measures how often a quarterback completes a pass. Yards per attempt adds information about how much production each attempt generates. Herbert completed a slightly higher percentage of his passes than Maye, but Maye’s reported yards per attempt was substantially higher.
Tackles versus impact plays: Total tackles measure defensive involvement, while sacks, interceptions, forced fumbles, and passes defended capture different types of impact. Henley’s 13 tackles and interception were important, while the Patriots’ pass rush was influential because of its repeated pressure and late-game sacks.
Individual statistics versus team totals: Player lines and team totals may differ because of how the statistics are classified. When a source appears internally inconsistent, check the original box score and the official team statistics before drawing conclusions.
For this game, the NFL’s official game statistics PDF provides a detailed reference for team yardage, downs, turnovers, and possession. The discrepancy between Maye’s listed individual passing yardage and the supplied team summary is a reason to verify the relevant table before reproducing the figures in another database.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the final score of the Chargers vs New England Patriots game?
The New England Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs on January 12, 2026. The Patriots led 6-3 at halftime and scored the game’s only touchdown in the fourth quarter.
2. How many passing yards did Drake Maye record?
Maye’s individual passing statistics list 268 yards on 17 completions from 29 attempts, with one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for 66 yards on 10 carries.
3. How many passing yards did Justin Herbert have?
Herbert completed 19 of 31 passes for 159 yards. He threw no touchdowns or interceptions and was sacked six times for 39 yards in lost yardage.
4. Who was the leading receiver for the Patriots?
Rhamondre Stevenson led New England with 75 receiving yards on three catches, including a 48-yard reception. Hunter Henry led the team in receiving touchdowns with one, scoring on a 28-yard pass from Maye.
5. Who recorded the most tackles in the game?
Daiyan Henley led all listed defenders with 13 total tackles for the Chargers, including nine solo tackles. Patriots safety Craig Woodson led New England with 11 total tackles, including seven solo tackles.
6. How many sacks did each team record?
The Patriots recorded six sacks against Herbert, while the Chargers recorded five sacks against Maye and New England’s other passing attempts. New England also registered 11 quarterback hits, compared with five for Los Angeles.
Conclusion
The Chargers vs New England Patriots matchup was decided by the Patriots’ ability to produce more offensive yardage, apply consistent defensive pressure, and convert important opportunities into points. New England won 16-3, recording 381 total net yards compared with Los Angeles’ 207.
Drake Maye contributed through both the air and on the ground, while Rhamondre Stevenson and Kayshon Boutte provided important receiving gains. Hunter Henry’s fourth-quarter touchdown supplied the decisive scoring play, and Andy Borregales converted three field goals to keep the Patriots ahead.
For the Chargers, Herbert’s 57 rushing yards and Henley’s interception were notable contributions, but the offense could not overcome six sacks and its inability to score a touchdown. The Patriots’ defensive pressure, better third-down efficiency, and stronger overall yardage production ultimately proved decisive.
The individual statistics also reveal an important lesson: a successful football performance depends on more than passing totals or isolated defensive highlights. Efficient execution, ball security, field position, and the ability to turn opportunities into points all contribute to the final result.
