The X-Factor in the Cold: Chargers Defense is New England’s Biggest Threat
As two of the three quarterbacks representing the AFC at this year’s Pro Bowl, Justin Herbert and Drake Maye, meet this weekend, one outside linebacker will be a significant threat to New England. At 23 years old, Tuli Tuipulotu has become an important figure in Los Angeles’s defense. He was chosen by the Chargers in the second round, declaring him the 54th overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft. This season, Tuipulotu has become a major factor and defensive anchor for his team as the Chargers are set to play the New England Patriots on January 11th. He leads the Chargers with 13 sacks and 20 tackles for loss this season.
Tuipulotu’s disruptive presence has been vital in a breakout 2025 campaign that earned him his first career Pro Bowl selection alongside his quarterback, Justin Herbert, this year. His relentless high motor style has allowed him to thrive as a versatile chess piece for defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who frequently moves him across the line to exploit mismatches. Heading into this January 2026 AFC Wild Card Round, Herbert anchored the offense with 3,727 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, and Tuipulotu emerged as the defensive engine by leading the team with 13 sacks and 24 quarterback hits. He stands with 70 total pressures, making him 10th in the league. Together, these two Pro Bowlers have redefined the Chargers' identity as they prepare to face New England in the Wild Card Round.
As the younger brother of Marlon Tuipulotu, who currently plays for the Kansas City Chiefs, it is without a doubt that within this family, they take mastering the defensive line seriously. Analysts have highlighted the Patriots’ offensive line as vulnerable, citing weaknesses in pass protection. Likewise, it has been reported that many players on the Patriots are recovering from a flu-like illness. This gives Tuipulotu a chance to give the Chargers a run for their money and potentially play the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY, one last time.
On the other hand, the New England Patriots do hold an advantage with playing in frigid temperatures, unlike their West Coast competition. Sunday night's forecast at Gillette Stadium calls for biting cold and frigid temperatures, accompanied by sharp wind gusts. While conventional wisdom suggests these harsh conditions favor the home team, Tuipulotu and the Chargers' defense enter the postseason as one of the league's premier units in defensive success rate. If Tuipulotu can continue his high-motor performance through the sub-freezing weather, he may just be the key to neutralizing Maye’s deep-shot ability and securing Los Angeles' path to the Divisional Round.
