The New England Patriots dropped to 1-2 on the season following a disappointing 35-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3. The loss, combined with New England’s offensive struggles through the opening three games, prompted star quarterback Drake Maye to deliver a brutally honest assessment of the unit’s performance.
In his postgame press conference, Maye did not hold back when discussing the offense, labeling its performance “unacceptable” while also taking responsibility for his own role in the team’s struggles.
“It's Week 3, and at the same time we have to have some fuel and realize that what we're doing out there offensively it's unacceptable. It's been unacceptable for three weeks. I have to start with myself, lead these guys, and get back after it,” Maye said.
The game in Florida quickly spiraled out of control for New England. Maye completed 14 of 25 passes for 199 yards but failed to throw a touchdown while committing two interceptions and losing a fumble.
Through three games, Maye has already thrown six interceptions. That gives him the most interceptions by a Patriots quarterback through the first three games of a season since Drew Bledsoe in 1994.
Moreover, Doug Clawson of CBS Sports reported that Maye has recorded nine fumbles and 10 interceptions since the beginning of last postseason. According to the report, he is the first player with at least nine fumbles and 10 interceptions over a seven-game span since Jameis Winston in 2019.
The numbers represent a significant contrast to Maye’s MVP-runner-up season a year ago, when he threw only eight interceptions throughout 17 regular-season games.
The road ahead provides little time for New England to regroup. The Patriots will need to quickly turn the page as they prepare to travel to face the undefeated Buffalo Bills (3-0) next Sunday in a crucial AFC East matchup.