NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After a shaky Week 1 start, Drake Maye has looked better and better with each week.
During the Patriots’ winning streak that reached four games on Sunday, Maye has come into his own and established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
It was hard to imagine any QB playing much better than Maye had leading up to the Titans game.
The Patriots’ second-year quarterback just kept the ball rolling during the 31-13 win over Tennessee, for the team’s fourth straight win.
There was a bit of a scare in the third quarter when Maye was tackled on a keeper, landing on his head. Officials retrieved Maye, escorting him to the blue tent for concussion evaluation. He returned after three plays (Joshua Dobbs made a 12-yard completion to keep the drive going) and completed his fourth scoring drive on the afternoon.
Maye, who was aided by a nice run game led by Rhamondre Stevenson, had gotten off to a bit of a slow start. It didn’t take long, however, before he got cooking.
He continued to spread the ball around, in this game hitting, seven different receivers led by Stefon Diggs (7 catches, 69 yards).
He also had key hookups with Kayshon Boutte, Hunter Henry and Mack Hollins.
Maye has made the games fun to watch. Fans want to see him play, expecting great things.
And he’s delivered.
His efficiency has been off the charts. He finished 21-for 23 for 221 yards with a pair of touchdowns and no interceptions. Maye has thrown for 200-plus yards in every game this season.
He’s the third player under 24, to have over 200 passing yards and a passer rating of 100 or more six games in a row. He joins Dan Marino, and is one away from eclipsing the NFL record set by Patrick Mahomes, who accomplished the feat in seven straight games at that age.
After it took a few series to get going, Maye finished the half on fire, throwing a 39-yard touchdown pass to Kayshon Boutte to give the Pats a 17-13 lead right before the intermission.
He also threw a nifty TD pass to tight end Austin Hooper. Maye finished the half 10 for 11 for 110 yards with the pair of touchdowns and no turnovers.
Per usual, he also used his legs effectively, gaining 43 yards on 4 carries to help move the chains in the opening half.
One of his second-half keepers, however, landed him in the blue tent. Maye, who suffered two concussions last season, did return. But he did get roughed up and take a few hits during this game (4 sacks, 8 keepers for 62 yards).
With the score well in hand, Dobbs came on for Maye with 3:37 to go.
As well as Maye is playing, the Patriots can ill-afford to have him go down for any period of time.
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