Quarterback Drake Maye delivered another standout performance as the New England Patriots extended their winning streak with a 33-15 victory over the New York Giants on Monday night.
Maye went 24-of-31 for 282 yards with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions, guiding the Patriots to an NFL-best 11-2 record heading into their bye week.
Coach Mike Vrabel praised the 23-year-old quarterback’s growing influence on the team.
“I think he’s realising what he can be and what the impact that he makes on this offense and being our conductor,” Vrabel said. “He means a great deal to this football team.”
The Patriots, who have now won 10 straight games, return to action on December 14 at home against the Buffalo Bills before travelling to face the Baltimore Ravens on December 21.
AFC East in sight
A win over the Bills would clinch the AFC East and end Buffalo’s run of five straight division titles. The Patriots were the last team other than Buffalo to win the division in 2019.
“Bye week is huge. Felt like a long time coming, but we’re here, and we have some important football after the bye week,” Maye said.
He leads the NFL with 3,412 passing yards and is the league’s only qualified quarterback completing more than 70% of his passes this season (71.5%). “We’re looking forward to getting healthy, get some guys back, and make a push.”
New England’s win was all the more notable given their absences. They were without starting left tackle Will Campbell (knee), starting left guard Jared Wilson (ankle), defensive tackles Milton Williams (ankle) and Khyiris Tonga (chest), and All-Pro special teamer Brenden Schooler (ankle).
The Patriots started quickly, opening with a field goal before a 94-yard punt return touchdown from Marcus Jones.
A heavy hit by linebacker Christian Elliss on quarterback Jaxson Dart helped spark another scoring drive as New England built a 17-0 first-quarter lead.
MVP momentum growing
Maye connected for touchdown passes of 3 yards to Kayshon Boutte and 33 yards to Kyle Williams, continuing a season of elite efficiency.
It was his sixth game completing at least 75% of his passes with 2 touchdown throws, matching Matt Ryan’s 2016 total and trailing only Tom Brady (2007) and Jared Goff (2024). Brady and Ryan both won MVP in those seasons.
“Just trying to be the face of the offense, trying to be the conductor — want the pressure, want the ball in my hands,” Maye said. “I know they feed off of me and feed off of my energy.
“It’s been exciting,” receiver Stefon Diggs said. “He’s a young quarterback, showing a lot of promise, a lot of confidence.”
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