The Los Angeles Chargers got a favorable draw for the playoffs, facing off against an unexperienced New England Patriots offense that could yield them the playoff victory they have long sought after.
In many ways, this is the best possible scenario, especially given New England's lack of an imposing pass rush. If the Chargers are able to control the game script with their run game and their defense, it could prove to be a much closer matchup than many would anticipate.
However, Patriots writer Tom E. Curran, on NBC Sports Boston's show Quick Slants, pointed out the one thing that could truly prevent the Chargers from advancing: MVP-caliber quarterback Drake Maye.
"This isn't the best defense Drake Maye is going to deal with this season. Nobody was better than the Browns this year, and when the Patriots saw them in late October, New England won 32 to 13... How did Maye do that day? 18-for-24, efficient as hell, 282 (yards), three touchdowns and a pick..."Tom. E Curran
Drake Maye could quickly put a playoff win out of reach for the Chargers
In spite of all the discussion that's surrounded the Patriots' strength of schedule, it's hard to deny that Maye has been incredible this season.
Across 17 games, he amassed 4,394 passing yards on a league-leading 72% completion rate, totaling 31 touchdowns to just eight interceptions. New England's offense as a whole led the league with 7.8 net yards per passing attempts and were fourth in total passing yards.
While there are valid criticisms to be made about the caliber of defenses they have played, Curran makes a great point. Maye absolutely dominated the Browns defense in their Week 8 game.
While Los Angeles had one of the best defenses in the league yet again this year, the Browns were even better. Cleveland allowed the third-fewest passing yards this season among all defenses and amassed the third-most sacks.
The Chargers have done an excellent job this season of using their zone-heavy approach to stifle opposing offenses through the air. However, if Maye can accomplish what he did against the Browns, there is a very good chance the Los Angeles offense will not have enough juice to put up a fight.
There's reason to be hopeful. The Chargers have found a way to win down the stretch in spite of their weaknesses, and the Patriots present a clear path for them to do so again.
Yet Curran points out a depressing reality. If Maye is at the top of his game, everything else could be a moot point.