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Everything to know after Patriots win first playoff game since 2018 season
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- Everything to know after Patriots win first playoff game since 2018 season
The New England Patriots had a shaky start to their Wild Card game with the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday night. By the end of the game, though, Gillette Stadium was rocking, Milton Williams was headbutting teammates and Mike Vrabel had a bloody lip .
What happened in between? Take a look below for every story you should read after the Patriots won their first playoff game since the 2018 season.
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Only have a few minutes? Get a quick hit of every important storyline from the defense to Hunter Henry ’s late touchdown.
The Patriots didn’t come into the Wild Card game with stellar defensive numbers. They were among the worst teams at stopping touchdowns in the red zone. They struggled on third downs. But that all changed as the Chargers were no match for what the Patriots ultimately put on the field, according to columnist Karen Guregian.
In just two seconds, Milton Williams dodged past Bradley Bozeman and sacked Justin Herbert to clinch the win. New England spent a lot of money on the former Philadelphia Eagle, and for columnist Matt Vautour, it was worth it.
The Patriots’ defense hit Herbert 11 times Sunday night and had six sacks. The defense was the main story after Vrabel told Milton Williams and Christian Barmore , “Big dogs show up in January.”
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Milton Williams was just a little excited after his game-clinching sack. After headbutting each of his teammates, he momentarily forgot that Vrabel wasn’t also wearing a helmet.
What about the rookies? Efton Chism III and first-rounder Will Campbell reacted to the game.
Drake Maye ’s playoff debut was a mixed bag as he did just enough to help the Patriots earn the win.
Rhamondre Stevenson was a difference maker on a night where the offense was otherwise fairly quiet.
Stefon Diggs has given his teammates pre-game speeches all season. Sunday’s was about silencing the team’s critics.
The Patriots will find out their opponent Monday night. In the meantime, the team knows it will play Sunday night at Gillette Stadium. Check back throughout the week for more ahead of the AFC divisional round.
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