The New England Patriots pulled off a dramatic 28-24 comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens, and while the final score tells one story, the game itself was filled with moments that had fans talking - and not all of them were about the scoreboard.
Let’s start with the play that sparked plenty of conversation. In the midst of a key drive, rookie quarterback Drake Maye was flushed from the pocket and made a short toss to wide receiver Kayshon Boutte.
Boutte hauled in the pass, but the celebration was short-lived. A flag flew in from the sideline - offensive pass interference on Boutte.
The call raised eyebrows not just because of the timing, but because the official who threw the flag appeared to be looking away from the actual contact when it happened. That’s not the kind of thing that builds trust in officiating, especially in a season where scrutiny on the refs is already high.
Still, the penalty didn’t derail the Patriots. They managed to pick up a first down shortly after and kept the drive alive - a drive that would end in points and help fuel their late-game surge.
Baltimore had its moments early, especially on defense. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey made his presence felt in the first quarter, intercepting Maye after a breakdown by New England’s offensive line left the rookie exposed.
It was a rough start for the Patriots, and things didn’t get easier when Lamar Jackson exited the game with a back injury. The Ravens did their best to stay in control, but once Maye and the Patriots offense found their rhythm, the momentum shifted.
And when it shifted, it shifted hard.
Trailing 24-13 with under 10 minutes to go, Maye delivered the kind of performance that’s quickly becoming his signature. He went 12-of-14 for 139 yards and a touchdown in the final stretch, adding a crucial 16-yard scramble that helped seal the win. It was his first career fourth-quarter comeback and his first 300-yard passing game - and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
“This winning feeling, there’s nothing like it,” Maye said after the game. And he’s not wrong. The Patriots are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2021, and they’re doing it behind the arm - and legs - of their second-year quarterback who’s playing at an MVP-caliber level.
Despite a recent loss to the Bills, New England holds a one-game lead over Buffalo in the AFC East. The race for the top seed is still alive, too.
Denver’s loss to Jacksonville earlier in the day cracked the door open, but the Broncos still own the tiebreaker. For the Patriots to lock up the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage, they’ll need help - Denver has to drop at least one of its final two games.
But for now, the focus in Foxborough is on what’s directly in front of them: a playoff berth secured, a young quarterback coming into his own, and a team that suddenly looks very dangerous in December.
In a season where the Patriots have been searching for a new identity, it looks like they may have found it - and his name is Drake Maye.