CINCINNATI — Maybe expectations have turned outsized 12 weeks into Drake Maye’s second season, however it’s laborious not to take a look at his efficiency in a 26-20 Patriots win over the Bengals as surprisingly disappointing.
Going through off in opposition to the NFL’s worst defense with out two key starters, Sunday ought to have been the kind of recreation to cement his MVP candidacy. As a substitute, he got here out spraying the ball and commenced the sport 3-of-7 with an interception that Bengals security Geno Stone returned for an interception.
Head coach Mike Vrabel stated nothing was limiting Maye on the afternoon.
“Not his finest efficiency. However give (the Bengals) credit score,” Vrabel stated. “I believe he got here up huge with some good throws, and I’m positive there have been a pair that he wish to have again.”
Maye has been one of the crucial correct quarterbacks within the NFL this season and got here into Week 12 main the league in completion share. He completed Sunday’s win 22-of-35 for a career-high 294 yards with a landing and an interception.
He acknowledged a few of his struggles.
“Generally not trusting — simply need to let it go,” Maye stated. “That’s after I’m throwing it finest and on time and feeling the very best. Yeah, I do know. I wasn’t very correct early on, however discovered a groove. Simply head again to the fundamentals.”
It was simply Maye’s sixth interception of the season. When the Patriots bought the ball again after the pick-six, Maye led his staff on a touchdown-scoring drive, hitting tight finish Hunter Henry for a 28-yard landing.
Maye stated after the sport that after an interception, he simply must make one other stay throw to really feel nice.
The Patriots didn’t get again into the tip zone for the remainder of the sport, settling for 4 discipline targets.
“That’s what this league is about, battling adversity. I gave them one early within the recreation and simply battled again on the subsequent drive,” Maye stated. “Simply attempting to have a ‘subsequent play’ mentality. That’s what Coach (Vrabel) is preaching on a regular basis, battling again from good performs and battling again from unhealthy performs.”
Maye is at present nonetheless listed second in NFL MVP odds behind Matthew Stafford. He’s led the Patriots to a 10-2 report and 9 straight wins now.
