Drake Maye Faces Prime Time Test as Patriots Host Chargers

Let's be honest for a second: there's no way you thought the New England Patriots would be back in the playoffs this season. You expected eight or nine wins. You didn't expect a No. 2 seed and home field advantage for the first two rounds.

But here we are.

The Patriots are hosting the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on Sunday Night Football in an AFC Wild Card matchup, and Fun 107 Patriots analyst Nick Coit said the excitement is real.

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Coit: Drake Maye Is Your MVP

At the center of it all is Pats quarterback Drake Maye, who has already started rewriting franchise history in his sophomore season. Maye set a new Patriots single-season completion percentage record at 72 percent, topping Tom Brady’s 68.9 percent.

He also broke the Brady mark for games with a 100-plus passer rating in one season, another signal of just how efficient he has been. Coit predicts those records are a big reason Maye will win the honor of league MVP.

Entering the first weekend of the playoffs, Coit noted that these are the moments that define quarterbacks in New England. The playoffs are where Brady became a legend, and Coit sees Sunday night as Maye’s next test in a true prime time spot.

Key Matchups

Coit does not overlook the challenge. The Chargers bring a quarterback that's tough as nails with Justin Herbert, coach Jim Harbaugh, and a defense that has been among the NFL’s best against the pass. Deception plays a big part in the Los Angeles defense, which loves to disguise coverages and try to confuse a young quarterback.

Still, Coit likes one key advantage for the Patriots defense: L.A. has struggled to protect Herbert and has allowed the second-most sacks in the league. With Herbert also battling through a broken arm, Coit believes the Patriots pass rush can change the game if it consistently gets pressure.

Will the Patriots Win on Wild Card Weekend?

Coit’s prediction: Patriots get it done with a 27-20 win, and the first brick in Drake "Drake Maye" Maye's playoff legacy will be placed.