The New England Patriots were able to take down the last undefeated team in the NFL, the Buffalo Bills, on Sunday Night Football, 23-20.
It was a grimy game for the Patriots‘ running back group, who had two fumbles, but quarterback Drake Maye was able to have a strong performance in the team’s first primetime game.
Maye didn’t have a touchdown pass against Buffalo. Still, she completed 22 of his 30 pass attempts for 273 passing yards, including stiff-arming a Bills defensive lineman to complete an 11-yard pass to wide receiver Stefon Diggs in the fourth quarter.
“‘Oh my gosh, oh my gosh.’ It was an 8-yard loss to a 12-yard gain,” Vrabel said, via NBC Sports. “He’s continuing to grow and gain confidence, and show us, show everybody, show his team and himself the ability to operate in the pocket, ability to operate in scheduled, move the pocket plays and then also off-schedule. So, putting the ball in good locations, not throwing behind guys, going on the move and putting the ball in harm’s way.”
Maye has averaged more than 200 yards in the first five games of his second season with the Patriots, and the first as the undisputed starter for the organization.
Drake Maye Receives Franchise QB Label
GettyNew England Patriots QB Drake Maye
Drake Maye has helped the New England Patriots to a 3-2 record this season, almost tying their record from last season, when the Patriots had four wins under Jerod Mayo.
Before the start of the season, Maye had been receiving nods that he would be the franchise quarterback for the organization. CBS Sports’ Jeff Kerr named that title as a reality after Week 5.
Drake Maye has been playing good football throughout the season, but the Patriots quarterback finally had an opportunity to showcase his talents on the ‘Sunday Night Football’ stage,” Kerr wrote. “Maye has thrown for 1,261 yards through five games while completing an impressive 73.9% of his passes with seven touchdowns to two interceptions (107.8 rating). He’s playing like a top 10 quarterback in football, getting the most out of a Patriots offense that has its flaws.
As the Patriots grow under Mike Vrabel, so does Maye. Their rebuild will go smoothly because they have a franchise quarterback in Maye, something they haven’t had since Tom Brady left.”
Maye credits the locker room for the upset win against Buffalo, with the Patriots improving their AFC East record to 2-0.
Stefon Diggs Return To Buffalo
GettyStefon Diggs played four seasons with the Buffalo Bills
Drake Maye was able to find Stefon Diggs 10 times for 146 yards, including a game-long 32-yard pass in the wide receiver’s return to Buffalo.
Diggs had a rough exit with the Bills after hauling in 4,623 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns with Josh Allen as his QB.
Now, Diggs is playing for a divisional rival and had his best game against his former team.
You know this was his storybook,” Maye said, via the NFL website. “Coming back here first game, prime time, you could see it all week. He just loves football… He’s got a lot in the tank left, so it’s good he’s a Patriot.”
The Patriots $63.5 million wide receiver joked that he felt he was at a six out of ten with the Patriots offense after saying he was at a five last week.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Patriots Second-Year QB Gets Major Label After Week 5 Victory appeared first on Heavy Sports.