Chargers know they can’t underestimate Drake Maye and Patriots
The Chargers’ spirit hasn’t wavered since week one.
Coach Jim Harbaugh and quarterback Justin Herbert insisted it was business as usual for the Chargers ahead of their AFC wild-card showdown against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday night.
But rookie wide receiver Tre’Harris can’t help but feel a change, even if only ever so slightly — knowing that a loss means back-to-back seasons under Harbaugh without a playoff win.
“Everyone is a little more cooped up,” Harris said. “Everyone stays a few extra hours after meetings and that kind of thing. Cleaning up, making sure everything is in order. That’s what comes with playing playoff football.”
Harris referenced linebacker Daiyan Henley’s “words of wisdom” speech at the end of practice Thursday as an example of the communication veteran players and coaches extend to the team’s younger players.
Henley, who eclipsed 100 tackles for the second straight season, said his message was to not give up — a reminder to adhere to the Chargers’ standards and processes throughout the season with their Super Bowl aspirations on the line.
“For me mentally, and for a lot of guys here, you get in these rooms with these coaches, and they can create the moment, create the anticipation,” he said. “It’s the playoffs. It’s do or die.”
The Crenshaw High alum continued: “These are things that we all know. But what we have to understand is that it’s been a make-or-die story since the beginning of this season, because if it wasn’t the case, we wouldn’t be here – we wouldn’t be in this situation in the playoffs.”
The importance of the game isn’t lost on Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who is working longer in meetings — and waking up earlier, too. Roman, who guided the Chargers to the 12th-best offense (334 yards per game) despite losing standout offensive linemen Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt and running back Najee Harris to injuries during the year, got a head start on playoff preparations by setting his alarm for 2:30 a.m.
Luckily for sleep-deprived Roman, he should have a healthy offensive line. Jamaree Salyer, out the past two weeks with a hamstring injury, is expected to return at left tackle, giving the Chargers their best starting five.
But one big question remains: Will running back Omarion Hampton play?
After recovering from a broken left ankle, the rookie twisted his right ankle in Week 17 against the Houston Texans. Hampton, considered questionable, said he planned to play against the Patriots. If Hampton can’t play or isn’t 100%, it could prove costly against a New England team that had the sixth-best run defense in the NFL (102 yards per game) during the regular season.
An outstanding performance from the Chargers defense would alleviate some of the offensive pressure. Under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, the Chargers allowed the fifth-fewest yards (285 per game) and had the ninth-fewest defense in the league.
In December 2024, the Chargers defeated quarterback Drake Maye and the Patriots 40-7 in Foxborough. Under coach Mike Vrabel, New England is a very different team — and Minter knows it won’t be easy to stop Maye, one of the favorites to win the NFL MVP.
“Maybe the best offense in football,” said Minter, who has received interview requests for head coaching jobs with the Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans.
But Minter is up for the challenge, one that could add another highlight to his resume and send the Chargers into new territory under Harbaugh.
“I think everyone in our room has tremendous confidence,” Minter said.
