FOXBORO — Sunday evening’s playoff matchup towards the Chargers was by no means going to be simple for Drake Maye, nevertheless it was nonetheless stunning to see the Patriots quarterback and MVP candidate begin sluggish within the 16-3 wild-card round win.
It might have been a really lengthy evening for Maye towards a Chargers protection that’s harmful in all aspects. On his first 4 dropbacks, he was 1-of-3 with an interception (on a tipped go) and a sack. He later misplaced a fumble contained in the pink zone halfway by way of the third quarter, however he additionally got here by way of within the clutch late in his first playoff look.
“We acquired to handle the soccer,” head coach Mike Vrabel stated when requested about Maye’s efficiency. “Thought he got here by way of after we wanted him. The tipped go is one thing that was unlucky. That changed into an interception. However the throw to Hunter I assumed after we wanted him was elite.”
Maye nonetheless had the full-throated assist of the Gillette Stadium trustworthy, who chanted MVP each probability they acquired as he accomplished 17-of-29 passes for 268 yards with one landing and one interception. He additionally led the Patriots in dashing with seven dashing makes an attempt for 69 yards earlier than three kneeldowns in victory formation.
The 23-year-old QB was his regular, humble self after the primary postseason win of his profession. He started his press convention praising the protection and saying he “didn’t throw very nicely.”
“Simply acquired to be higher, whether or not it’s accuracy or ball placement or little issues, making choices sooner,” Maye stated. “Held onto the ball somewhat bit tonight. Lastly acquired one ultimately. I missed Hoop (tight finish Austin Hooper) on a landing. Really feel like I missed Pop (broad receiver DeMario Douglas) on a 3rd down low. It wasn’t my greatest tonight. However that’s why you have got teammates, these guys picked me up. By no means misplaced confidence. Was nonetheless slinging it round. Kayshon (Boutte) made some massive performs. Got here after the ball twice on some massive performs. That’s the factor about us, we unfold it round, can do a whole lot of issues.”
Maye additionally isn’t going to dwell on his struggles. Total, Maye was one of many NFL’s greatest quarterbacks this season, however not each recreation, half or second was excellent, and he all the time confirmed the flexibility to bounce again, identical to he did in Sunday evening’s win.
Maye disagreed with the notion that his nerves needed to settle going right into a playoff efficiency.
“No, I wouldn’t say that. First (completion) to Stef (Diggs), that’s proper the place I wished to place it. Picked up the primary down,” Maye stated. “Had the one to Hunter over the center that I attempted to guard from the protection. In all probability must throw, hearth it in there somewhat extra. From there, high-pressure throws. Essential performs, I simply need to make them. I like my probabilities of making ’em. I’m not going to assume an excessive amount of about it, transfer on to subsequent week.”
Subsequent week will function both the Steelers or Texans in Gillette Stadium on Sunday at both 3 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. ET. The Steelers and Texans play Monday evening at 8 p.m. The winner travels to Foxboro to tackle Maye.
The Texans are one staff that outplayed the Chargers’ protection this season. The Steelers are a better matchup on paper, although the Patriots misplaced to them in Week 3 whereas turning the ball over 5 occasions.
Irrespective of who the Patriots play subsequent Sunday, Vrabel wish to see higher ball safety from his squad.
