Drake Maye Sends Blunt Warning After Patriots’ Dominant Win

Drake Maye Sends Blunt Warning After Patriots’ Dominant Win originally appeared on NESN.
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The New England Patriots produced the response they desperately needed Sunday. That apparently was not enough to satisfy Drake Maye.

New England bounced back from an ugly season-opening loss by overpowering the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-3 at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots’ defense tormented Aaron Rodgers, TreVeyon Henderson broke loose for a 39-yard touchdown and Romeo Doubs delivered two explosive receptions.

The Patriots improved to 1-1 and avoided the uncomfortable possibility of opening their season with consecutive losses. Maye still was not celebrating the performance of New England’s offense.

“We have to have more urgency,” Maye said during his postgame press conference.

That was a striking message after a 17-point victory.

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Maye Refuses To Overlook Patriots’ Offensive Issues

Maye completed passes for 208 yards but did not throw a touchdown. He also tossed an interception one week after throwing three picks during New England’s 13-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Patriots generated several big plays against Pittsburgh. Maye connected with Doubs for gains of 63 and 29 yards, while Henderson finally broke the game open with his long touchdown run.

Consistency remained a problem.

New England’s offense accounted for only 13 points. The Patriots were unable to finish several promising possessions and again relied heavily on their defense to control the game.

Maye’s comments showed the quarterback understood the difference between an encouraging win and a complete performance. The Patriots can feel much better about their season after Sunday. Their defense allowed only 235 yards, recorded four sacks and forced two turnovers against Rodgers. Pittsburgh converted only two of its 12 third-down attempts during the 20-3 loss.

That level of defensive dominance will win plenty of games. It also cannot become something the offense expects every week.

Maye showed flashes of the quarterback who helped take New England to Super Bowl LX last season. His deep throws to Doubs were two of the Patriots’ most encouraging offensive plays through the first two weeks.

The next step is eliminating the turnovers and finishing more drives. New England earned an important victory Sunday. Maye made it clear the Patriots still have considerably more work to do.

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