Chargers star QB on Patriots’ minds as they turn the page toward postseason

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Chargers star QB on Patriots’ minds as they turn the page toward postseason

Matt Vautour · MassLive

Mon, Jan 5, 2026 ·

4 min read

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FOXBOROUGH — The Patriots are very aware of Justin Herbert .

When they were asked about what they knew about the Los Angeles Chargers , who they’ll face in the first round of the playoffs next week, the standout quarterback was front of mind.

“What do I know about them?” Milton Willians said, repeating the reporter’s question. “They’ve got a good quarterback. That’s about it. That’s all I know.”

The No. 2-seeded Patriots will face Herbert and the No. 7 Chargers next weekend. Game time has yet to be determined.

Stefon Diggs was a little more expansive, but said he needed to study more.

“I’ve got to watch them. They’re a hell of a team from what I’ve seen from over here,” he said. “They’ve got an amazing quarterback, a good defense. Same stuff I’m going to say each and every week. ... It’s the (playoffs), everybody good.”

Drake Maye has admired Herbert from afar.

“I don’t know if I’ve met Justin. I don’t think I have. I know him through people and heard great things. Obviously, I love his game,” Maye said. “I love the way he throws the football. He throws at a really high level. He can make plays on the move, can make plays off platform, can launch it. ... I think just the way he holds himself and cares about his teammates, he’s really good for the team and not about himself. I have a lot of respect for Justin and how he plays the game and plays at a really high level.”

Herbert has earned the accolades. The former Oregon star was the Rookie of the Year in 2020 and has been to the Pro Bowl twice.

Patriots tight end and former Charger Hunter Henry was his teammate during that standout rookie season.

“They have a really good quarterback. I played with him. He’ll be ready to go. They’ve got weapons," said Henry, who was equally aware of safety Derwin James . "On defense, they have Derwin. I’ve competed against Derwin a ton. He’s one of the best in the game. I’ve got a lot of respect for him."

The Patriots’ 13th loss in last year’s 4-13 season was a rock bottom 40-7 loss to the Chargers in Week 17.

“I remember that day last year. It was tough. We got whooped, it’s tough,” Jaylin Hawkins said. “Obviously, we’re a whole new team, whole new cast of characters, new coach and it’s the playoffs, so we’re just going in focusing on this. Knowing what we need to do and execute and come out victorious next week. We’re playing to win.”

Mike Vrabel wasn’t ready to share details. He was asked about playing the Chargers before the Broncos ’ win over Los Angeles , which set up the matchup was complete. The coach gave an answer that he could have used regardless of who was coming to Foxborough.

“We’ll get ready and get rolling and try to do what we do every week, which is prepare and figure out who we have available and what we feel like the keys are going to be and try to practice and be ready to go,” he said. “That’s all we’ve done all year, and that’s all we’ll be able to do this week in the playoffs.”

Most of the players were just eager to participate in the postseason.

“I am excited, very excited, to be able to play in January. As a kid, it’s a dream come true, really, just being able to play in the playoffs,” Christian Gonzalez said. “We came in and Vrabes came in and said, ‘Win the division and host home playoff games,’ so we were able to do that. It is a new season now, so we may not even enjoy this one tonight, get right on to it and be ready for next week.”

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