Both Herbert and Maye were hit and harassed quite a bit in 2025.
Herbert was sacked 54 times in 16 games while Maye was sacked 47 times in 17 games. Those were the third and fourth-most sacks against a respective quarterback this season.
That means a key storyline Sunday will be which opposing defense will be able to get to the other team’s leader.
The Bolts showed much more of a pass-rushing prowess in 2025 as they tied for 10th with 45.0 total sacks. Tuli Tuipulotu led the way with 13.0 while Odafe Oweh tallied 7.5 in 12 games since being acquired in an October trade with the Ravens.
Justin Eboigbe added 6.0 sacks in his second season while Khalil Mack had 5.5 in 12 games.
New England finished tied for 21st in the NFL with five other teams with 35.0 total sacks.
The Patriots didn’t have a player reach double digits but were led by Harold Landry (8.5) and K’Lavon Chaisson (7.5).
The Chargers will be tasked with keeping Herbert upright so he has time to make plays and get the ball to Keenan Allen, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston and rookie Oronde Gadsden.
And the Bolts pass-rush group know they need to keep Maye contained so that he doesn’t break free and hit deep shots downfield.
3. Elite coaching matchup
Each head coach on the sideline Sunday has previously earned Coach of the Year honors. But they are looking to breakthrough in the postseason with their current squads.
Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh is 5-4 in his NFL coaching career but is looking for his first postseason victory with the Bolts.
Patriots Head Coach Mike Vrabel is 2-3 in his playoff career as a head coach, but that was with the Titans, meaning Vrabel is seeking his first postseason win with New England as a head coach.
Vrabel played eight seasons with the Patriots as a linebacker and won three Super Bowls. Harbaugh on Monday had high praise for Vrabel, who is in the Patriots Hall of Fame.
“The thing that sticks out, his teams play like he played. I do notice that,” Harbaugh said. “Tough, gritty, physical, smart, fast. They kind of like to hit like he liked to hit. That’s what I’ve noticed.”
