« I see a young quarterback taking a step in the right direction. »
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COMMENTARY
If there was any weight placed upon Drake Maye’s shoulders on Sunday night, the Patriots’ young quarterback wasn’t showing it while fielding questions from Highmark Stadium.
Yes, Sunday marked the most consequential game of the 23-year-old QB’s career.
A primetime matchup. On the road. Against the reigning NFL MVP and the lone undefeated team left in the league.
For some, those circumstances would represent the sizable hurdle amid a promising — albeit uneven — 2025 season.
But for Maye, it represented opportunity.
“Take the next step,” Maye said of his approach entering Sunday’s game. “This is a division game. It’s 8:20 in Orchard Park and a great environment, playing the Buffalo Bills. Where else would you rather be?”
On Sunday, Maye seized said opportunity.
The result? A 23-20 upset win for the Patriots in Buffalo.
And a sigh of relief for a Patriots franchise that — at long last – has found their next star at the quarterback position.
“That was fun. That’s a tough one,” Maye said of New England’s victory. “It took everybody in that locker room, and the guys came out and we battled. Didn’t play the best in the first half. The defense helped us out, and we came back offensively and got some things going — two-minute drive at the end, just go down and win it. That’s what you want.”
On a night where Mike Vrabel’s efforts toward rebuilding New England’s program were validated — and talk of a successful rebuild were seemingly accelerated — it should come as little surprise that Maye spearheaded his team’s breakthrough performance.
Even though Maye didn’t record a touchdown on the night, the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft married his evident physical talents and arm strength with the poise and decision-making that only comes with regular reps at football’s highest level.
Maye completed 22 of his 30 pass attempts for 273 yards, while also gaining 12 yards on the ground.
