Numerous unknowns remain about the future of the Patriots’ rebuilding process.
It appears the only certainty is that Drake Maye will be the franchise quarterback, and he continued to display why during what may have been his best performance yet against the Rams.
In a Week 11 loss against a playoff-hopeful Rams team, the Patriots managed to stay competitive by heavily leaning on Maye. He recorded career-highs in multiple statistical categories, including passing yards (282), completions (30), and completion percentage (75%). It was also the second time in the past three weeks that Maye attempted 40 or more passes, signaling a shift in the team’s offensive identity since he took over the position. The move has paid dividends, as the Patriots recorded a season-high total yards gained for the second consecutive week.
Though the Patriots lost 28-22, Maye provides optimism to the organization that can be felt internally and across the opposing sidelines. Rams head coach and offensive mastermind Sean McVay raved about Maye’s performance during his postgame press conference.
Maye’s ability to read the field was evident as early as the second drive of the game, when he led the Patriots offense 77 yards down the field for a touchdown, accounting for 70 of which through the air. The drive featured an especially impressive conversion on 3rd & 7, during which, while under pressure, Maye delivered a strike across his body to WR Pop Douglas.
Maye continues to improve when throwing under pressure and off-platform every week, skills that this matchup against a talented Rams’ defensive front put to the test.
While the performance inspired Patriots fans and the organization, it was not without its bumps, including two costly turnovers. The first occurred in the second quarter when Rams rookie DT Braden Fiske broke through the line of scrimmage and delivered a massive hit to force a fumble.
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1858224271484752134
The Rams capitalized on the favorable field position as Matthew Stafford connected with WR Puka Nacua for a diving touchdown catch, giving the Rams their first lead.
Maye responded strongly to the mistake, though, orchestrating four consecutive scoring drives, each totaling over 50 yards. Despite the defense struggling throughout the day and some questionable coaching decisions that may have cost the Patriots points, they still had a chance to win when their offense took over with 2:14 remaining in the fourth quarter, trailing by six points.
The comeback, however, was not meant to be. Maye threw an interception over the middle of the field as he tried to find Pop Douglas, effectively sealing the game.
Douglas never saw the ball coming, as he and Maye were not on the same page. It marked the second game-sealing interception for the Patriots in the past three weeks. While Maye played an inspiring game overall, he and the offense have shown some immaturity in critical moments this season.
Despite the offense’s shortcomings, the organization maintains full confidence in its developing quarterback. Patriots cornerstone CB Christian Gonzalez voiced his support of Maye in his postgame press conference.
Drake Maye remains the youngest active starting quarterback in the NFL at just 22 years old. Many scouts viewed him as a raw prospect coming into the league, but he has already elevated the New England offense. Many questions remain about the roster, but the team has its answer at quarterback.
The Patriots will look to continue their upward trajectory next week against their division rivals, the Miami Dolphins.
Leave a comment