Patriots quarterback Drake Maye labels offense performance unacceptable after 35-6 loss
Quarterback Drake Maye said the New England Patriots' offense was "unacceptable" following a 35-6 defeat to Jacksonville, acknowledging his own role in the turnovers and vowing to improve.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye described the team's offensive showing against the Jacksonville Jaguars as "unacceptable" after a 35-6 loss that left the Patriots 1-2 on the season. Maye, who threw two interceptions and lost a fumble, said he must look in the mirror and use the setback as a turning point.
"It's disappointing. The ball starts rolling that way, we can't get out of our own way, and I can't get out of my own way personally -- I have to look myself in the mirror and take this as a turning point," Maye said.
Maye finished with 14 completions on 25 attempts for 199 yards and no touchdowns, posting a Total QBR of 11.9, the lowest for a Patriots starter since 2023. His six interceptions through three games match a record set by Drew Bledsoe in 1994. Coach Mike Vrabel also criticized the team's ball security.
"We haven't made good decisions with the football. We have to get it fixed," Vrabel said.
The turnovers began when a bleeding center forced Maye to fumble a pass early in the first quarter, and continued with interceptions on third-and-goal and later in the third quarter. Maye attributed part of the fumble to the center's injury but emphasized his responsibility to protect the ball.
When asked about a lingering shoulder issue from a previous injury, Maye said he feels healthy and focused on returning to winning football.
The Patriots travel to face the AFC East-leading Buffalo Bills next Sunday, with Maye pledging to lead a collective effort to improve the team's performance.