FOXBOROUGH – How did Drake Maye rebound from one of his worst statistical performances of the year, completing just 51 percent of his passes in the win over Tampa Bay Sunday?
Like a champ.
Maye’s trademark accuracy was on full display throughout the Patriots 27-14 win.
Maye completed his first 11 passes before throwing an incompletion against the New York Jets defense in the first half.
With game-time temperatures at 39 degrees, the cold certainly didn’t cool off the Patriots quarterback.
He sizzled in the first half, completing 14 of 16 passes for 140 yards. Before long, fans were chanting “MVP!, MVP!” during every drive, after greeting him with the chant during introductions.
It was fitting.
Maye didn’t cool down in the second half as he finished 25 for 34 for 281 yards with a touchdown.
Whether throwing from the pocket, or on the move, the Jets defense couldn’t defend him for much of the game.
Maye simply got the ball where it needed to be.
He wasn’t afraid to take the check-down, hitting TreVeyon Henderson (3 touchdowns, 2 rushing, 1 receiving) a number of times.
Maye also made good use of Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and Hunter Henry as he picked the Jets apart.
It was another masterful performance from the Patriots second-year quarterback, who didn’t turn the ball over.
Diggs led the way with 9 catches for 105 yards. Hollins (4 catches, 64 yards) and Henry (4 catches 45 yards) also had an impact.
The only receiver Maye couldn’t connect with was rookie Kyle Williams, who scored his first touchdown against the Buccaneers Sunday.
He accounted for most of Maye’s incompletions, failing to connect on three targeted throws.
Henderson provided the first two scores of the game, running in for a pair of touchdowns with the Patriots jumping out to a 14-7 lead.
Maye then hit Henderson with a six-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to give the Patriots some breathing room.
The Patriots added a pair of field goals. Maye couldn’t capitalize from the 11-yard line after the defense forced and recovered a Justin Fields fumble.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
