The Los Angeles Chargers picked up a rare victory for the franchise in Foxborough, Massachusetts, last season. Another Saturday will clinch a playoff spot. The Chargers blanked a lowly New England team 6-0 in December 2023 to improve to 2-12 all-time in Foxborough, including the playoffs. The previous victory dates back to 2005 when the franchise was based in San Diego. Drew Brees was the team’s quarterback and LaDainian Tomlinson was the best running back in the NFL. In other words, wins in Foxborough have been hard to come by for the Chargers. That’s all history for first-year coach Jim Harbaugh, who expects the Chargers (9-6) to win at least 10 games this season. “We still have games to win,” Harbaugh told reporters. “Nine wins can get you into the playoffs, but you need help. Ten wins most years can and this year I think it would. Eleven usually gets you there access.” Los Angeles is currently ranked sixth in the AFC after beating the Broncos 34-27 on Dec. 19 to sweep this season’s two-game series with Denver. After the Patriots, the Chargers close the regular season at the Las Vegas Raiders. Quarterback Justin Herbert has 18 touchdown passes against three interceptions, although two of the picks came in the last two games. New England tight end Hunter Henry, who played alongside rookie Herbert in 2020 for the Chargers, isn’t surprised by Herbert’s effectiveness throughout the season. “He was successful his first year, but it’s just the growth he continued to have,” Henry said. “He’s got all the tools, a strong arm and makes every throw. He’s mobile, he can extend plays, he can run. He just presents a lot of challenges for the defense. He’s a special, special player.” The Patriots (3-12) have lost five straight games using rookie quarterback Drake Maye (14 touchdowns, 10 interceptions). Maye threw a touchdown pass in seven straight games to tie Jim Plunkett (1971) for the longest streak by a rookie in franchise history. He completed 67.6 percent of his passes, just behind the rookie record set by the Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott (67.8) in 2016. But Maye also threw an interception in seven straight games as he learns on the fly. “Drake is a competitor, and he’s always going to try to get out there and make plays,” New England coach Jerod Mayo said. “I think the way he’s played, how well he’s played this year, we often forget that he’s a rookie quarterback. Those are lessons learned. I’ve been very upfront about that – the “Intangible with Drake, besides his same behavior, is that he learned from his mistakes, and I expect that to continue in the future” Regardless of the opposing quarterback’s experience. , the Chargers take nothing for granted game. playoff, no different than the last one, man,” star passer Khalil Mack said. “By any means necessary. We have to do everything we can to win the game.” Neither team held a practice on Christmas Day and released estimated attendance projections. The Chargers could return running back JK Dobbins (knee) after opening his 21-day practice window Monday and seeing him be a limited participant the next two days. He has missed the last four games. Running back Gus Edwards (ankle) has also been limited the past two days. The Chargers sidelined Wednesday were punter JK Scott (illness), offensive lineman. Trey Pipkins III (hip) and linebacker Denzel Perryman (groin). Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle/quadriceps) has not practiced yet this week. Cornerback Marcus Jones (hip) and center Ben Brown (concussion) also sat out the last two. days –Field level media.
