The Ravens came into this one looking to keep their offensive rhythm rolling, but an all-too-familiar issue reared its head early: ball security. Derrick Henry, who’s had some trouble holding onto the football this season, coughed it up again late in the first quarter - and the Patriots made him pay.
With Baltimore on the move and threatening to extend an early lead, Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins made a textbook strip, punching the ball loose from Henry. New England jumped on it, flipping momentum and setting up a crucial scoring drive. That fumble marked Henry’s third of the season - matching his total from 2022 - and once again highlighted a vulnerability that opposing defenses are clearly targeting.
Starting at their own 32-yard line, the Patriots went to work. It wasn’t flashy, but it was efficient - a 10-play, 68-yard drive that showed both poise and purpose from rookie quarterback Drake Maye. The rookie continues to grow into his role, and on this drive, he looked every bit the part.
Maye kept the chains moving with a clutch third-and-2 conversion to tight end Hunter Henry over the middle. Then came the big one: a third-and-13, and Maye stepped up, finding Mack Hollins for a 20-yard strike that kept the drive alive and silenced the Baltimore crowd.
The Patriots didn’t let up. Maye hit Austin Hooper on the next play, setting them up at the Ravens’ 1-yard line.
From there, it was simple execution - a rollout to the right and an easy toss to a wide-open Hunter Henry in the end zone. Just like that, the game was tied at 7-7 early in the second quarter.
That touchdown pass was Maye’s 24th of the season, another milestone in what’s shaping up to be a promising rookie campaign. He’s shown he can make plays under pressure, and this drive was a clear example of how his decision-making and pocket presence are evolving week by week.
On the injury front, the Patriots took a couple of hits. Starting right tackle Morgan Moses exited in the first quarter with a knee injury and is currently questionable to return.
Thayer Munford stepped in to take his place. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Joshua Farmer is also questionable with a hamstring issue.
Both absences could loom large as the game wears on, especially against a physical Ravens front.
For now, though, it’s a game knotted up at 7, and thanks to a timely takeaway and a composed drive from their young quarterback, the Patriots have swung the momentum in their favor.