One Patriots reporter finally admits the truth about Justin Herbert and Drake Maye

Drake Maye is locked into a heated MVP battle with Matthew Stafford while LA Chargers fans scream from the rooftops about how Justin Herbert is truly the most valuable player in the league. On Sunday, the two quarterbacks will square off on a national stage in the AFC Wild Card Round.

Maye undoubtedly had a better season than Herbert statistically, but he also had the benefit of one of the softest schedules in recent NFL history. Herbert is also playing behind an offensive line that not even a high school would be jealous of, which certainly complicates matters.

Because of Maye's regular-season edge, pundits and fans alike are giving the advantage to the New England Patriots' quarterback ahead of Sunday's game — but not everyone. Greg A. Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal actually went out on a limb against his hometown quarterback while defending Herbert against the playoff narratives buzzing around his head.

Patriots reporter nails the dichotomy between Justin Herbert and the Chargers

Bedard nailed the state of the LA Chargers. Herbert has elevated an offensive unit for the second year in a row that most other quarterbacks would drown within. Last year it was a lack of passing weapons; this year, it is the bruised and battered offensive line.

Granted, Herbert finally has a good defense, which is something he never had with Brandon Staley as his head coach, but the offensive firepower around him is still subpar. Maye may not have world-beaters at wide receiver, but he was not put in the same precarious situation Herbert is in.

Patriots fans aren't going to like this analysis from Bedard. To many, Maye has already established himself as an elite quarterback with his performance this season. You'd be hard-pressed to find many Pats' fans who actually agree with Bedard's take here.

But it's the truth. It doesn't mean Herbert and the Chargers are guaranteed to win this game, as there are more factors than just quarterback play. It does highlight, however, the vastly different paths the two quarterbacks took to meet on Sunday. If anything, Herbert's callus from his treacherous path makes him more equipped to upset Maye and the Patriots.

This compliment was ultimately half-baked, as Bedard did make sure to mention that the Chargers are out-gunned this year as they were last year. But as Herbert has proven throughout his career, the Bolts always have a chance as long as he is under center slinging the rock.

Patriots fans will come to realize that on Sunday night. Hopefully, Herbert can shake the absurd playoff narratives with a good performance.