New England Patriots: 5 observations from ‘lights out’ win over Chargers

The New England Patriots dynasty did not end Sunday afternoon in the AFC Divisional Round game, instead the team showed why they are still here.

Everyone had their popcorn ready for the demise of Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.  Instead, what they watched was a well-oiled machine so hot that the cold temperatures in Foxboro did not matter.

Well, maybe it mattered for the Los Angeles Chargers.  But, for Bill Belichick and his crew, it was business as usual as the team scored on its first five possessions in route to a 41-28 thrashing of the Chargers at Gillette Stadium early Sunday afternoon.

In what now sets up an AFC Championship showdown with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs next weekend, the New England Patriots simply came out clicking in all facets of the game.  The offense really set the tone by taking the opening drive all the way down the field and putting an early touchdown on the board.

Philip Rivers and the Chargers answered right back, but the tone of the game had been set and Tom Brady and his bunch took their next drive down the field to punch right back.

Led by the dominance of the offensive line and running of Sony Michel, the New England Patriots had the Chargers on the ropes early in the second quarter.  In fact, the knockout punch came on a third rushing touchdown by Michel.  Then, the Patriots’ defense held their ground the rest of the way.

The overall performance had New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick with a slight smile after the game.

"“A great job by our team today,” Belichick said following the game.  “I couldn’t be prouder of the effort from the coaching staff, players.  Had a really good week.  Obviously, ready to go.  Played a good game today against a good football team.  The Chargers are really, as I said all week, very impressive in everything they do.  I thought our team played well and made plays in every area and played with a lot of energy, a lot of effort.”"

In the 41-28 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, here are five observations from a dominant AFC Divisional Round performance.