What followed was an absolute clinic by the New England Patriots as they wake up the NFL with a shocking 33-15 beatdown of the New York Giants. This victory improved their record to an impressive 11-2. Quarterback Drake Maye didn’t disappoint on a terrific stage! In that contest, he went 24-of-31 passes for 282 yards, tossed two touchdowns and surrendered zero picks. With this victory, the Patriots firmly cement themselves in second place in the AFC standings. It additionally increases their odds of winning the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs from 37% to 46%.
Maye has become an unsung hero of a defense that returned only three starters from a year ago. He did just that, maximizing his opportunities despite the team’s injury-plagued season. On offense, the Patriots opened the day without starting left tackle Will Campbell (knee) and starting left guard Jared Wilson (ankle). They were missing two of their top three defensive tackles, Milton Williams (ankle) and Khyiris Tonga (chest). All-Pro special teamer Brenden Schooler (ankle) missed.
That same young quarterback would follow up that speech with a jaw dropping performance, completing 75% of his passes. That was his sixth game with two touchdown passes this season. His touchdown throws were a 3-yarder to Kayshon Boutte and a 33-yard bomb to Kyle Williams.
“Just trying to be the face of the offense, trying to be the conductor — want the pressure, want the ball in my hands,” – Drake Maye.
Head coach Mike Vrabel lauded Maye’s development and reported it had a positive effect on the team.
“I think he’s realizing what he can be and what the impact that he makes on this offense and being our conductor,” – Mike Vrabel.
The Patriots’ success on the field is increasingly linked to Maye’s development as a leader. His ability to navigate challenging circumstances has garnered attention, making him the odds-on favorite to win MVP at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Maye said he was excited about what’s in store for the team moving forward.
“Bye week is huge. Felt like a long time coming, but we’re here, and we have some important football after the bye week,” – Drake Maye.
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