Drake Maye’s Trip Across the Pond

The New England Patriots took a big loss on the chin against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Sunday. The team fell to a 1-6 record in a game that might be one of their last opportunities to get back into the win column in 2024. In an otherwise poor performance by the team, rookie quarterback Drake Maye improved from his debut a week ago. The North Carolina native ended the game with two passing touchdowns, 26-for-37 which equals a passing percentage of 70.3% for 276 yards, and three rushes for 18 yards, finishing the game as the team’s leading rusher and without a turnover. 

After a rough start last week against Houston, New England leaped into a great start in their international game. Maye and the offense drove right down the field and scored their first opening-drive touchdown this season. The 12-play drive saw the rookie complete six of seven passes, including a check down to beat a blitz that resulted in the scoring play. Hopefully, this is a sign of what is to come, as Maye has proven to be able to make the big plays but has yet to prove that he can make the routine plays.

Once the game got away from the Patriots, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt consistently put the ball in his young quarterback’s hands, and to his credit, Drake Maye rose to the occasion. The former UNC Tarheel displayed his ability to throw the long ball on a dagger concept to receiver K.J. Osborn for a touchdown and then on a go-ball to Kayshon Boutte along the sideline to get the Patriots into scoring range. There were more than a few hiccups along the way, including two dropped interceptions. Yet, Maye continued to look more confident in every aspect of his game in his second game.