4. Keep kicking, kicking, kicking…
During a back-and-forth shootout fest in the third quarter that included three combined punts and no points scored, the Patriots showed some signs of life, helped in part by two big plays from DeVante Parker, a 21-yarder and a 27-yarder. Those plays played a role in helping New England establish better field position.
This punt fest continued into the fourth quarter, despite Tyquan Thornton’s 39-yard rush that showed the type of speed potential the second-year receiver possesses. That drive ended abruptly after sacks came down on third-and-4, as New England tried to stay aggressive as the game clock expired. The Patriots nailed a potential field goal attempt that would have been just under 50 yards. Instead, they saw their fourth down pass protection crumble as they allowed their fifth sack of the game to get to that point.
Once again, the defense forced another punt by the Chargers, bringing us to a total of 15 punts for the game with under five minutes left, but New England was unable to capitalize late in the game.
The Patriots’ final drive would end with a fourth-down incomplete pass as New England was shut out at home for the second time this season and held to fewer than 10 points for the fifth time in 2023. The Chargers closed out the game by converting a final third down, flying through the air on a pass from Herbert that went 29 yards and sent Los Angeles to victory formation.
