The Los Angeles Chargers lost to the New England Patriots 41-28 in Sunday’s AFC Divisional Round game from Gillette Stadium.
The Patriots’ offense scored five touchdowns on their first six possessions of the first half and controlled the clock for 38:20 of the game. Quarterback Tom Brady threw for 343 yards, wide receiver Julian Edelman had 151 yards receiving and running back Sony Michel added 129 yards on the ground and scored three rushing touchdowns.
The Chargers finished with 335 yards of total offense. Philip Rivers went 25-of-51 for 331 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Keenan Allen caught two passes for 75 yards and a touchdown. He also added a two-point conversion. Mike Williams and Tyrell Williams combined for 162 receiving yards.
New England struck first on a 14-play, 83-yard touchdown drive that took up over seven minutes of the opening quarter. Michel’s one-yard score gave the Patriots an early 7-0 lead.
Rivers and the Chargers’ offense quickly responded. Allen’s 43-yard touchdown reception tied the score 7-7 after a Michael Badgley extra point. The 67-yard drive ate up just 2:53 of the clock.
That’s as close as Los Angeles would get.
Chargers vs. Patriots Divisional In-Game
Browse through the top game action photos as the Bolts take on the New England Patriots during the divisional round of playoffs.
Derwin James tackles during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Derwin James and Brandon Mebane celebrate tackling RB Sony Michel during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Jahleel Addae tackles WR Julian Edelman during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
The Bolts tackle RB James White during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Mike Williams reaches to catch a pass from Philip Rivers during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Keenan Allen catches the ball for a 43-yard touchdown during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen scores a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game.
Keenan Allen celebrates scoring a touchdown during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Keenan Allen celebrates scoring a touchdown during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Keenan Allen celebrates scoring a touchdown during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Michael Badgley kicks an extra point during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Philip Rivers on the field during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Kyle Emanuel tackles RB James White during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Philip Rivers throws the ball during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Melvin Gordon runs with the ball during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Jahleel Addae on the field during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
The Bolts line up before the snap during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Adrian Phillips tackles RB Sony Michel during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Joey Bosa during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Joey Bosa during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Casey Hayward tackles WR Chris Hogan during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Austin Ekeler on the field during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Philip Rivers calls a play during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
The Chargers and Patriots line up before the snap during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Melvin Gordon runs downfield during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Derwin James tackles during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Tyrell Williams catches a pass from Philip Rivers during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Melvin Ingram during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Michael Davis on the field during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Antonio Gates turns to run during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Joey Bosa during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Jahleel Addae tackles RB James White during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Austin Ekeler and Nick Dzubnar tackle WR Julian Edelman on a punt return during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
The Bolts tackle during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Kyle Emanuel and Rayshawn Jenkins tackle RB Sony Michel during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Brandon Mebane during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Derwin James tackles RB James White during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Joey Bosa during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Desmond King returns a kick during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Mike Williams jumps to catch a pass from Philip Rivers during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Philip Rivers holds the ball during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Mike Williams lands after jumping to catch a pass from Philip Rivers during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Tyrell Williams catches a pass from Philip Rivers during the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
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On their next possession, the Patriots matched the Chargers with a 67-yard scoring drive of their own. Michel’s second rushing touchdown – this one from 14 yards out – put New England back on top 14-7. The Patriots had 12 first downs in the opening quarter and went 3-of-3 on third down.
New England increased its lead at the start of the second quarter with a 15-yard touchdown reception from Brady to wide receiver Phillip Dorsett. It added two more touchdowns before the half: a six-yard rush by Rex Burkhead and a five-yard rush by Michel, his third of the game.
The Chargers trailed 35-7 at halftime.
L.A. added a one-yard rushing touchdown by Melvin Gordon, a one-yard touchdown reception by Virgil Green and an eight-yard touchdown reception by Antonio Gates in the second half. Los Angeles finished the season 13-5 and 8-2 on the road, including playoffs.
