Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel Opens Up On Chargers ‘Stingy’ Defense

Mike Vrabel believes Drake Maye and the New England Patriots offense need to be on their A-game against this Los Angeles Chargers defense.

New England will host Los Angeles in the Wild Card round on Sunday as Maye plays his first NFL playoff game. Heading into the matchup, Vrabel has spent plenty of time studying the Chargers, and he’s been impressed with their defense.

“I haven’t gone through the entire first half of their defense, just the last couple games here already this morning,” Vrabel said on Monday. “They don’t give up a whole lot of first downs. Stingy. They’re going to make your – you’re going to get everything that you earn. You’re going to have to earn it. They’re just not going to give it to you.

“They’re very sound in that regard. So, we’ll have to have great execution, make great decisions, and be able to put some drives together to sustain. They’re just not going to hand you two X plays down to the 1-yard line.”

The Chargers allowed just 20 points per game this season, while holding opponents to 194.94 passing yards and 105.35 rushing yards per game. All three ranked in the top 10 in the NFL this season.

Although the Chargers have a “stingy” defense, according to Vrabel, the Patriots’ head coach has plenty of confidence in his group.

New England enters the game as a 3.5-point favorite against the Chargers. Kick-off is set for 8 p.m. ET on Sunday.