Foxboro, MA – Patriots quarterback Drake Maye reflected on the team’s opening‑week loss to the defending Super Bowl champions, acknowledging three fourth‑quarter interceptions that proved decisive. “It’s tough,” Maye said on Wednesday, noting the extra days between the Wednesday game and the Sunday practice gave him ample time to replay the mistakes in his mind.
Learning from the setback
Maye explained that most players process a loss within the first 24 hours, but the extended break this week made the disappointment linger. “You get a lot of time to think about it,” he said, adding that the league’s competitive nature demands quick adjustments. “These things are not going to win you football games,” he quoted coach Mike Vrabel, emphasizing the need to fix errors promptly.
Impact of A.J. Brown’s injury
Compounding the quarterback’s challenges, the Patriots lost their top receiver A.J. Brown to a high‑ankle sprain, sidelining him for the foreseeable future. Maye recognized the void and stressed the quarterback’s responsibility to lift the entire offense. “The job of the quarterback is to elevate the guys around you and get the ball out of my hands as fast as I can to theirs,” he said.
He added that other players must step up, and the team must trust one another, maintain confidence, and keep the offensive “chains moving.” Maye highlighted the importance of “positive play” and staying on the same page as a collective effort.
Personal commitment to improvement
When asked whether he must elevate his own performance without Brown, Maye affirmed it is a constant goal regardless of personnel. He cited his desire to emulate the consistency he displayed last season, aiming to complete a higher percentage of passes. “You always talk in the quarterback room about being dialed in, practicing hard, and starting that in practice,” Maye said. “I wouldn’t say just because A.J.’s out that I’m trying to become this elevation. It takes everybody. It’s a team effort.”
Maye concluded that the Patriots must work harder, with each player willing to “strain a little bit harder” to keep the team moving in the right direction.
Looking ahead
As the Patriots prepare for Week 2, the focus will be on reducing turnovers, adapting the passing game without Brown, and fostering confidence among the remaining receivers. Maye’s leadership and willingness to hold himself accountable set a tone for a team eager to rebound from a disappointing start.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
