Drake Maye Starts Hot, Cools Late as Patriots Fall to Bills in Crucial AFC East Clash
The Patriots had this one in their grasp - until they didn’t. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye came out firing, showing flashes of the poise and playmaking that have made him one of the most intriguing young arms in the league. But when the lights got brightest in the second half, Buffalo’s experience and firepower took over, and New England’s 24-7 lead evaporated into a 35-31 loss.
Let’s break it down.
Maye’s Fast Start: Two Scores, Total Control
Early on, Maye looked every bit like the future of the franchise. He led New England to a commanding first-half lead, putting up two rushing touchdowns and orchestrating an offense that moved with rhythm and confidence. The Patriots offense was efficient, balanced, and aggressive - everything you want to see from a team trying to put away a division rival.
It wasn’t just the stat line. Maye’s decision-making was sharp, and his legs added a dynamic element that Buffalo struggled to contain early. The Patriots built a 17-point cushion, and it looked like they might run away with this one.
Second-Half Slide: Allen Takes Over, Patriots Stall Out
But the second half? That was a different story.
Buffalo flipped the script, outscoring New England 28-7 over the final two quarters. Josh Allen reminded everyone why he’s in the MVP conversation, tossing three second-half touchdowns and leading a Bills offense that found its rhythm just as New England's started to sputter.
The Patriots struggled to sustain drives. They held the ball for just over seven minutes in the second half - a staggering drop-off after their early dominance.
Maye, who had been so composed early, finished with just 155 passing yards and an interception. His final drive - a chance to reclaim the lead - ended with a tipped pass on fourth down, sealing the loss.
Former Super Bowl champ Chris Long weighed in on Maye’s performance, offering a balanced take.
“In the second half, Drake Maye was not his best,” Long said on Green Light with Chris Long. “He deserves all the praise he got. I'm a big fan, but I think he got outplayed today and that's OK because the guy on the other sideline is the best quarterback in the league.”
That’s fair. Maye wasn’t perfect - and Allen was on a heater. Sometimes it’s that simple.
Maye Takes Accountability: “It Starts With Me”
To his credit, Maye didn’t duck the moment. After the game, he stood in front of reporters and owned the loss.
“There were some throws I wish I had back,” Maye said. “At the end of the day, gotta keep the foot on the pedal and keep it going and kind of don’t let them dictate. It starts with me.”
That’s what you want to hear from your quarterback - especially a rookie. Maye acknowledged the team had anticipated a second-half push from Buffalo and admitted they didn’t respond the way they needed to.
“We kind of felt during the week that we had a chance this was going to happen,” he added. “Just gotta make a play and do my part when we had the ball and a chance to win the game, go win the game.”
Even in defeat, Maye showed leadership. He also gave a nod to running back TreVeyon Henderson, who continues to be a spark plug in the offense.
“Just get him in space,” Maye said. “He’s tough to tackle. He’s a great player for us.”
AFC East Race Tightens
Despite the loss, the Patriots still sit atop the AFC East at 11-3. But the Bills are now just one game back at 10-4 with three weeks to go. The margin for error is razor-thin, and both teams know it.
For New England, the path forward is clear: clean up the second-half execution, keep Maye progressing, and find a way to finish games against elite competition. Sunday was a reminder of how good this team can be - and how quickly things can unravel if they take their foot off the gas.
The rookie QB has shown he belongs. Now it’s about consistency - and closing.