Drake Maye leads list of Patriots problems
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye struggled through another inefficient afternoon as his team was topped by the Jacksonville Jaguars, 35‑6, on Sunday at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida.
Maye finished the game 14‑of‑25 passing for a season‑low 56 percent completion rate, with no touchdown throws, two interceptions and one lost fumble. His six interceptions through three games are the most by a Patriots quarterback since Drew Bledsoe threw eight in 1994. In contrast, Maye had only eight picks in all of the 2025 season.
After the defeat, Maye said he intends to use the loss as a catalyst. “I’ve got to look myself in the mirror and take this as a turning point,” he said. “It’s Week 3, and at the same time we’ve got to get some fuel and realize that what we’re doing out there offensively is unacceptable. It’s been unacceptable for three weeks. So I’ve got to start with myself and then lead these guys, and we’ve got to get back at it.”
He also addressed the mental side of playing quarterback. “I think it’s beating myself and realizing that there’s times last year where you gotta flip to the next play and realize that this league will humble you quick, and just finding ways for me to step up when I feel like I’m not playing my best, and still lead the team,” Maye added. “I think that’s what this position is about.”
On the sideline, head coach Mike Vrabel was seen talking with Maye for an extended period, placing both hands on his shoulders. Vrabel afterward explained his approach. “I try to talk to him about just taking the ball and putting it where it’s supposed to go. And he’s 24 years old. Like we’re not dealing with a 35‑year‑old quarterback here,” Vrabel said. “I want him to go and be energetic and talk to him about, just, can’t be a robot here. We’ve got to go. And you saw sometimes where he extended plays and kept his eyes downfield and made plays, and then also we just can’t turn it over the rate that we’re turning it over, especially down in the red zone.”
Despite the lopsided score, New England moved the ball past the 50‑yard line on seven drives. Those possessions, however, ended in a punt, a fumble, a field goal, an interception, a missed field goal, another field goal and a turnover on downs. Through three games the Patriots have scored 29 points on 30 drives, averaging 0.97 points per possession — the lowest mark by any team in the first three weeks since the 2021 New York Jets.
Cornerback Marcus Jones gave the defense a bright spot by intercepting Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the seventh career interception for Jones. In the fourth quarter, wide receiver Mack Hollins was penalized 15 yards for taunting after a 9‑yard catch, forcing the Patriots to settle for a 40‑yard field goal by Andy Borregales.
Right guard Greg Van Roten left the game in the first half with a thigh injury and did not return. Defensive tackle Christian Barmore (shoulder) and cornerback Carlton Davis III also missed some snaps but later re‑entered.
Since the start of last season’s playoffs, Maye has been responsible for 19 turnovers — nine fumbles and 10 interceptions — in seven games. He is the first player in that span with at least nine fumbles and ten interceptions since Jameis Winston in 2019.
The Patriots will continue their road trip next Sunday, facing the Buffalo Bills in an AFC East opener.
