The Patriots earned their first playoff win since beating the Rams in the Super Bowl, which seems like a lifetime ago. After getting ousted in their previous two playoff openers, the win and the electric atmosphere around the team were very pleasing to see.
The game was a defensive rock fight; although the Patriots outgained the Chargers handily, they turned the ball over and struggled to finish drives. This one was a defensive gem, as the team was approaching full health, welcoming back Robert Spillane and Harold Landry, and having Milton Williams back last week.
And it showed.