Drake Maye and the New England Patriots came up just short in their Week 11 contest, losing 28-22 to the Los Angeles Rams. Maye threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns, making many big plays to keep New England in the game.
But he also threw a costly interception on the Patriots final drive. This interception sealed the victory for the Rams, pushing them to an even 5-5 record on the season. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots drop to 3-8, taking another close loss.
New England Patriots QB: Drake Maye’s Hot Start
Drake Maye got off to good start, leading a seven-play touchdown drive on the Patriots second possession. New England had to punt on their first drive, but Maye led them 77 yards on their next one. He hit a couple of throws to Demario Douglas, including a 28-yard pass on a 3rd and 7.
Getting Douglas out into space to pick up yards after the catch was a nice addition to the offense. These plays, along with a short pass to Austin Hooper put the Patriots deep in Rams territory. Then, Drake Maye fired a nine-yard strike to Kendrick Bourne for a touchdown on a dig route.
That touchdown drive gave the Patriots a 7-0 lead, but the only other offense they got in the first half was a field goal. Then, with the Patriots defense giving up two touchdowns, New England trailed 14-10 at the half. But Maye and the offense got rolling again in the second half.
The Patriots marched down the field on a long, methodical, 13-play, seven-minute drive. There were no explosive plays, but the offense was moving until a 4th and goal penalty forced them to settle for a field goal.
On the next possession, a 16-yard scramble from Drake Maye set the Patriots up. Maye’s scrambling ability has been another boost for this offense, and it help to set up a trick play, where Maye threw his second touchdown to offensive lineman Vederian Lowe.
Maye then led another long drive, going 13 plays after starting at the New England 11-yard line. Maye hit a couple nice throws to Kendrick Bourne and Kayshon Boutte that led to a field goal.
Drake Maye’s Turnovers
Up to this point, Drake Maye only had one egregious play, where he fumbled on a sack that led to a Rams touchdown. But that play was not entirely on Maye, and he had the Patriots set up to make a game winning drive.
On their final drive, a miscommunication between Drake Maye and Demario Douglas on a post route led to a game sealing interception. It is not the first crucial interception thrown by Maye, as he was intercepted in an overtime loss to the Tennessee Titans in week nine.
These two interceptions that decided games are not a good look for Maye. But, if not for Drake Maye’s constant efforts, the Patriots may not be in position to win these games. Maye is a rookie, and turnovers should be expected to an extent.
Right now, Drake Maye is making enough good plays with his arm and legs to make up for the occasional interceptions. If he were turning the ball over and not making the same explosive plays and scoring drives, then it would be a different conversation.
But the Patriots offense has transformed with Maye under center, and he has played well enough that a team can accept the rookie mistakes.
Drake Maye’s Performance
Drake Maye’s performance against the Los Angeles Rams nearly won the Patriots the game until the final interception. He showed off his arm, hitting short, intermediate, and deep throws, whether they were caught or not. He used his legs as well, moving in the pocket and scrambling for yardage. The final interception is upsetting for Patriots fans, but the future is still bright with Drake Maye at the helm.
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