Drake Maye Vows to Turn Things Around After Patriots Blowout Loss to Jaguars

A Rough Day in Jacksonville

The New England Patriots suffered a tough 35-6 blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Quarterback Drake Maye struggled throughout the game, throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble. After the game, Maye did not hide from his mistakes, calling the offensive performance unacceptable.

"It is disappointing," Maye said. "The ball starts rolling that way, we cannot get out of our own way, and I cannot get out of my own way personally. I have to look myself in the mirror and take this as a turning point."

Maye finished the game completing 14 of 25 passes for 199 yards, with no touchdowns. His Total QBR of 11.9 was the lowest for a Patriots starting quarterback since Bailey Zappe posted a 1.9 rating in the final week of the 2023 season.

Breakdown of the Turnovers

The mistakes started early for New England. Late in the first quarter, the ball slipped out of Maye's hand during a pass attempt, leading to a Jaguars recovery. Maye explained that center Jared Wilson had blood on his hand, which caused the ball to slip, but added that he still must hold onto the football.

Later in the second quarter, with the Patriots trailing 14-3, Maye threw an interception on third and goal from the two yard line. Looking for receiver Efton Chism III, Maye's pass was intercepted by cornerback Travis Hunter. Maye admitted he was just forcing the ball.

He threw another interception in the third quarter on a comeback route to Kyle Williams. The Patriots now have a 1-2 record on the season. Maye has thrown six interceptions through three games, the most by a Patriots quarterback since Drew Bledsoe in 1994. Coach Mike Vrabel noted that the team must make better decisions with the football.

Looking Ahead to Buffalo

Questions arose about Maye's right shoulder, which required a pain-killing injection before the Super Bowl in February. However, Maye insisted the shoulder is not an issue and did not require surgery. He stated that he is healthy and ready to focus on playing winning football.

The road ahead does not get any easier for the Patriots. Next Sunday, they travel to face the Buffalo Bills, who lead the AFC East with a 3-0 record. Maye knows he must lead the team and protect the football if they want to turn their season around.