As the NFL season hits its stride on September 28, 2026, the New England Patriots find themselves in a familiar yet unwelcome position: searching for answers at quarterback. After a 35-6 demolition at the hands of the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, the panic surrounding third-year signal-caller Drake Maye is no longer premature—it’s justified. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Maye’s performance was nothing short of disastrous, and head coach Mike Vrabel’s postgame demeanor suggested a man running out of patience.
A Comedy of Errors Under Center
Maye’s stat line reads like a nightmare: 14-of-25 for 199 yards, zero touchdowns, two interceptions, three sacks, and a lost fumble. But the numbers only tell part of the story. The most egregious mistake came on a third-and-goal from inside the five-yard line with under a minute left in the first half. Trailing just 14-3, the Patriots had a golden opportunity to seize momentum. Instead, Maye threw a pass directly to Jaguars cornerback Travis Hunter in the end zone—a play that left even the most seasoned analysts baffled. Some social media wags joked that Maye couldn’t distinguish Jacksonville’s teal jerseys from the turf.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Since the 2025 playoffs, Maye has been a turnover machine. After throwing just eight interceptions in 17 regular-season games last year, he already has six picks in three weeks this season. During New England’s four-game playoff run, he tossed four interceptions and fumbled seven times while taking 21 sacks. The 2025 MVP runner-up now looks like a shell of himself, playing with none of the confidence that once made him a rising star.
Defensive Woes and Offensive Deficiencies
While the defense deserves some blame for allowing Trevor Lawrence to throw three touchdowns, there’s reason for optimism on that side of the ball. Scheme adjustments, like returning to the man coverage they abandoned Sunday, and the eventual returns of edge-rusher Dre’Mont Jones and safety Craig Woodson should shore things up. But the offense is a different story. The departures of Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte, coupled with A.J. Brown’s injury, have left Maye with a supporting cast of Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins—hardly the weapons needed to compete in a brutal AFC.
“It’s way too early to say Maye’s 2025 season was a flash in the pan,” said one NFC scout. “But the schedule has flipped. Last year he feasted on weak defenses; this year he’s facing the sixth-toughest slate. The training wheels are off.”
Indeed, the 2025 Patriots benefited from the easiest schedule in the league, with Maye’s best games coming against the Jets, Saints, Titans, Panthers, and Dolphins. This year, they face one of the six hardest schedules. Even elite quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, and Tom Brady have bad stretches, but they’ve also proven they can dominate over years. Maye, at 24, still has time—but the clock is ticking.
Around the League: Week 3 Highlights
Elsewhere, Marcus Mariota led the Commanders to a stunning 33-31 upset over the previously unbeaten Seahawks, throwing three touchdown passes. In Pittsburgh, Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy celebrated their 100th regular-season win together as the Steelers edged the Bengals 30-27. Rodgers looked ageless, tossing three scores.
In Denver, Talanoa Hufanga’s two interceptions—including a pick-six and a game-sealing grab—lifted the Broncos to a 30-26 win over the Rams on Sunday Night Football. Brock Purdy continued his MVP-caliber season with four touchdown passes in a 36-30 win over the Cardinals, though the 49ers lost Mike Evans, Dre Greenlaw, and Trent Williams to injuries. Lamar Jackson’s 27-yard strike to Zay Flowers set up Tyler Loop’s 56-yard game-winner as the Ravens beat the Cowboys 34-31 in a Rio thriller. The Bills survived a sloppy game to beat the Chargers 24-16, while the Raiders stayed undefeated with a 35-27 win over the Saints, powered by Brock Bowers’ 10-catch, 116-yard, one-touchdown return.
As for the Patriots, they sit at 1-2 with the Buffalo Bills looming. The season isn’t lost, but if Maye doesn’t rediscover his form, New England’s playoff hopes could fade fast. For now, the panic in Foxborough is real—and it’s only Week 4.
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