Drake Maye was pulled in the fourth quarter of New England’s 35-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars after a turnover-plagued performance that left his NFL progression under renewed scrutiny. The rookie finished 14-of-25 for 199 yards, threw two interceptions, fumbled twice (losing one) and was sacked three times. He owns 1 touchdown and 6 interceptions in three games this season, according to the Portland Press Herald and the Associated Press.
The Portland Press Herald/Associated Press coverage is the primary source for this recap and is cited throughout this story.
Key takeaways
- Drake Maye benched in fourth quarter of a 35-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars — turnovers were the decisive factor. (Portland Press Herald / AP)
- Game line: 14/25, 199 yards, 2 INTs, 2 fumbles (1 lost), 3 sacks, passer rating 48.6. (Portland Press Herald / AP)
- Tommy DeVito replaced Maye late; coaching staff called the move tactical and short-term. (Portland Press Herald / AP)
- Offense also impacted by A.J. Brown on injured reserve and limited running production. (Portland Press Herald / AP)
Game recap: Maye’s costly errors and key moments
New England never recovered from a series of turnovers and stalled drives. Maye’s two interceptions directly set up Jacksonville scores, including a third-and-goal throw returned and another pick that led to points for the Jaguars. One of Maye’s fumbles came on a ball that slipped from his right hand; the other came on contact and was ruled a lost fumble by the officials. The Patriots’ offense managed just six points as Jacksonville pulled away.
Coach Mike Vrabel inserted backup Tommy DeVito in the fourth quarter once the result was out of reach, giving DeVito late-game reps while the staff evaluates options moving forward. The benching was presented by the team as a tactical change in the moment, not a declared long-term decision. (Portland Press Herald / AP)
Drake Maye — stat snapshot
Below is a source-grounded table showing Maye’s Jacksonville game line, season totals and last season’s passing output as reported by the Portland Press Herald and the Associated Press.
What players and coach said
Selected postgame comments captured by the Portland Press Herald and the Associated Press reflect accountability and a focus on correcting execution.
- “We just got to make plays. I got to make throws. We’ve got the right looks. We’ve got penalties and turnovers. It’s more beating ourselves. … That wasn’t a replication of how we play football in New England,” said Drake Maye. — Portland Press Herald / Associated Press
- “I’m always going to be confident in myself to make plays. If there’s one thing, I’m going to go out there and compete… These mistakes, you got to eliminate them,” Maye said. — Portland Press Herald / Associated Press
- “I think he knows what to do. I think we have to do it better. We all want to make plays. We just have to make some good ones. If it’s not there, I think sometimes you can want it too badly, and we can’t force it,” coach Mike Vrabel said. — Portland Press Herald / Associated Press
- On practice and preparation, Vrabel added: “I think our practice consistency on all levels… has to improve. We feel like the practice execution leads to game reality.” — Portland Press Herald / Associated Press
Immediate roster and game-planning implications
The benching was tactical and occurred with the game out of reach; it should be viewed as a short-term move rather than a definitive change in starter designation. The staff inserted Tommy DeVito late to run the offense in garbage time while evaluations continue. (Portland Press Herald / AP)
The Patriots’ offense was also hampered by the absence of receiver A.J. Brown, who is on injured reserve with a sprained ankle, a factor the Press Herald cited as context for New England’s struggles to move the ball. The running game produced limited gains — including a 22-yard outing from Rhamondre Stevenson on seven carries — which magnified pressure on Maye to make downfield plays. (Portland Press Herald / AP)
Expect the coaching staff to prioritize practice-day consistency, protection adjustments, and film corrections ahead of the next game. The next checkpoints are practice reports and coaching comments after Wednesday’s and Friday’s sessions as the staff decides how to handle the QB rotation. (Portland Press Herald / AP)
What remains unclear and next steps
Key questions remain unresolved: whether the benching is temporary or a longer-term audition for the backup, how quickly Maye can correct repeated turnover issues in game settings, and whether returning offensive personnel will materially change play-calling or protections. The Press Herald/Associated Press coverage characterizes concerns about a possible “Year 3 regression” as an assessment from reporters and team observers rather than an established fact; this article follows that cautious labeling. (Portland Press Herald / AP)
The most useful near-term checkpoints are practice reports this week, coaching statements after those sessions, and the official injury reports that could affect play-calling and personnel availability. Patriots fans should watch for those updates as the team prepares for its next opponent. (Portland Press Herald / AP)
Source attribution
This story is based on reporting by the Portland Press Herald and the Associated Press. Original coverage: Another poor performance by QB Drake Maye raises questions for Patriots (Portland Press Herald / AP).
For transparency: all game lines, quotes and assessments in this article are grounded in that Portland Press Herald/Associated Press reporting.
