Patriots rally past Bills 29-26 as Maye bounces back from early turnovers
New England quarterback Drake Maye threw three touchdowns after two first-half turnovers, leading the Patriots to a 29-26 win over the Buffalo Bills, who fell to 3-2.
Drake Maye recovered from a shaky start to guide the New England Patriots to a 29-26 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday in Orchard Park, New York. After committing two turnovers in the first half, Maye threw three touchdown passes, including a late one-handed catch by Efton Chism with 1:50 left, to secure the win.
Maye finished 22 of 37 for 269 yards. Romeo Doubs caught two touchdown passes, and Rhamondre Stevenson added a one-yard rushing score. The Patriots improved to 2-2, narrowing the gap with division rival Bills, who fell to 3-1.
"It’s relieving a little bit," Maye said, acknowledging criticism after a season-opening stretch that included six interceptions and a fumble.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel praised his quarterback’s performance.
"Gets us back in the race. Josh (Allen) was unbelievable. Felt like Drake went toe to toe with him," Vrabel said.
Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen threw for 253 yards and a touchdown, also scoring on a two-yard run, but his third interception of the season sealed the loss. Allen later reflected on the decision that led to the turnover.
"Should have thrown that one out of bounds and live another day. That’s what I should have done," Allen said.
The Bills, playing their first game at the new Highmark Stadium, also dealt with injuries to receiver DJ Moore, tackle Ed Oliver and cornerback Christian Benford. Coach Joe Brady emphasized accountability after the defeat.
"The wins and losses are all the same to me. We’re not going to make excuses. Let’s just start with ourselves," Brady said.
Both teams look ahead to upcoming matchups, with New England hosting the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday and Buffalo traveling to Los Angeles for a Monday Night Football game on Oct. 12.