Could the New England Patriots (6-6) be inching their way back to the playoffs?
It’s too early to tell, but their 45-0 win over the Los Angeles Chargers (3-9) eerily felt like a late-season, Tom Brady-era victory. The win had everything — a punt return touchdown, a blocked field goal returned for a score, a defensive shutout and solid play from just about every unit.
With Austin Ekeler back in the lineup for a Chargers team that already has a few offensive stars (or close to it in the likes of Keenan Allen, Hunter Henry and Mike Williams, and has a rookie phenom at QB (Justin Herbert), it seemed like New England may be in for a tough outing.