The atmosphere couldn't have been better for hosting the first playoff game at Gillette Stadium in five years, and the Patriots inevitably fed off the fans' energy all night. It was even more important in the second half, as the score was still close, and costly mistakes kept it that way for too long.
But the defense understood what they had to do late in the game, as the Chargers' defense, one of the best in the league, took advantage of New England's young offense to the point of forcing turnovers and ensuring Drake Maye had a forgettable game.