The New England Patriots’ horrific 2023 season continued to go downhill on Sunday, as they fell to the Los Angeles Chargers by a 6-0 final on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
New starting quarterback Bailey Zappe didn’t fare much better than Mac Jones ever did during the season, going 13-of-25 passing for 141 yards and no touchdowns. Zappe didn’t throw an interception, but he did take five sacks and had a turnover on downs twice.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert wasn’t much better, at 22-of-37 for 212 yards. But he did drive Los Angeles down the field just enough for two successful field goal tries, and that was more than enough to secure a win. The Patriots, meanwhile, fell to 2-10 on the season.
Patriots-Chargers Highlights
After trading punts with the Chargers for the first two possessions, the Patriots were putting a decent drive together, before L.A. made the first play worthy of the highlights. They recovered a fumble by Rhamondre Stevenson to get the ball back on their own 33-yard line, after the Pats had driven 60 yards in 13 plays.
Unfortunately for Stevenson, the third-year back appeared to suffer a serious ankle injury on the play and had to be helped off the field.
THE ROOK
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 3, 2023
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/y8NR0qLM2Y
The Patriots were able to get the stop on the ensuing Chargers possession, but had to start on their 5-yard line. So, essentially, the fumble set them back 62 yards. They then went three-and-out to give it back to the Chargers.
However, the punt-fest continued in the second quarter. But the Chargers played the field position game well, pinning the Pats down and forcing a punt from out of the end zone. The Chargers then drove 27 yards to get to the red zone.
Patriots safety Jalen Mills saved a touchdown with a great leaping pass breakup against tight end Gerald Everett, then Herbert’s third-down attempt for Keenan Allen fell incomplete. Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker converted from 38 yards out, though, for the game’s first points and a 3-0 lead for L.A.
Beautiful PBU by Jalen Mills!
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) December 3, 2023
The #Patriots defense has stood their ground today.pic.twitter.com/Oac3p5tl19