The New England Patriots have postseason dreams after blanking the Chargers.
Given how the New England Patriots have looked this season, no one could have seen this dominant of a performance coming from all three phases. The offense under Cam Newton ran with precision, though the stats were not gaudy. Meanwhile, the defense consistently harassed Justin Herbert and the special teams made a statement of their own.
New England’s 45-0 victory moves them to 6-6 and keeps alive for the playoffs in an attempt to continue their postseason streak that dates back to 2008, the last season in which postseason football was non-existent in Foxborough.
The Patriots had three sacks and forced two interceptions while Devin McCourty provided a moment of joy with a blocked kick return for a touchdown at the end of the first half, pairing nicely with a punt-return touchdown for the special teams.
The New England Patriots kept their postseason hopes alive.
This season has largely been defined as the first year without six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady. However, given how the team has looked this year, maybe a new quarterback could be coming, but for now, fans are happy with the success
J.C. Jackson continues to make plays while on a cheap deal and is likely going to get a new contract. Whether or not that affects the future of All-Pro Stephon Gilmore remains to be seen, but that will depend on what head coach Bill Belichick believes is best for the team. Moreover, while the win today was exhilarating, the team will undoubtedly need fresh talent for the future.
The shutout has earned a victory celebration in the locker room, following COVID-19 protocol, of course. Just when people were ready to doubt the Patriots, those words of disappointment now taste better than the sweetness of Boston cream pie.