So many times this season, the Patriots have relied on Drake Maye to win games for them. And that’s certainly not something to complain about. He has been incredible.
But as the playoffs roll on, it was surely nice for the coaches to see the Pats win in a slightly different fashion, especially a victory in which Maye didn’t have his “A” game.
Last Sunday against the Chargers, on a night the quarterback looked a bit off, certainly in the first half, the Patriots won with great defense and special teams while sprinkling in just enough big plays to leave with a win.
Maye completed 17-of-29 passes for 268 yards with an interception, but his 66 rushing yards certainly helped. And it’s not that Maye was bad — but just that, against this really good Chargers defense, the Patriots couldn’t rely on him solely to win the game.
Maye’s interception wasn’t totally his fault after interior pressure forced a tipped pass, but the quarterback also fumbled and was less accurate than usual.
He bounced back with an incredible throw in the fourth quarter that was easily his best of the night, floating a 28-yard pass to the perfect spot near the sideline for the Hunter Henry touchdown.