A look at the difference-makers in the Patriots’ fifth straight victory.
A look at the difference-makers in the Patriots’ fifth straight victory.
Make it five wins in a row for the red-hot Patriots.
New England had yet another sluggish start, giving up an opening drive touchdown with a busted coverage against a play-action pass. Cleveland’s pass-rush was disruptive. The Patriots had to settle for three first-half field goals.
But Drake Maye found a way to get the downfield passing attack going in the second half and Robert Spillane helped break the game open with a lengthy interception return that set the Patriots up in the red zone.
There was a lot to like in the Patriots’ second home win of the season.
Here’s a look at who stood out and struggled on Sunday afternoon. Stock upDrake Maye
Outside of a ghastly interception that he threw right into Carson Schwesinger’s chest, Maye was efficient and effective.
He got himself going early by making plays with his legs. He hit Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas for big gains. He and Rhamondre Stevenson teamed up on a flea-flicker in the third quarter as the Patriots pulled off a few trick plays.
The offensive line struggled in pass protection, but Maye has some culpability for the six sacks he took because there were times where he held the ball too long.
Overall, Maye was accurate. He nailed his deep throws. He found Mack Hollins consistently for medium gains. Finishing 17-for-23 with three touchdowns against one interception while being the team’s second leading rusher is a good day by any standards.Robert Spillane
Cleveland’s Dillon Gabriel gave Spillane a gift – a low throw well short of the intended receiver.
