Patriots’ Drake Maye Shines: Key Insights from Victory over Bengals
The New England Patriots faced off against the Cincinnati Bengals, marking a significant matchup for both teams. Quarterback Drake Maye highlighted the game with a career-high 294 passing yards, despite facing challenges against the Bengals’ defense, which is ranked last by DVOA. Here are the key insights from this critical victory.
Drake Maye’s Performance
Drake Maye showcased his potential, but the game revealed some inconsistencies. Despite racking up impressive yardage, he struggled with accuracy, tallying five errant throws. This includes a notable interception that resulted in his first-career pick-six, targeting tight end Hunter Henry.
- Maye’s completion percentage over expectation (CPOE) was -0.4.
- Against a blitz, he completed just 4 of 12 attempts.
- Maye’s total QBR was 62.9, placing him at the 76th percentile.
Offensive Highlights
Despite Maye’s off day, the Patriots had notable offensive plays that kept them in contention. They struggled at the goal line but had multiple opportunities to score touchdowns.
- A four-yard swing pass to running back TreVeyon Henderson.
- A nullified touchdown due to offensive pass interference.
- Significant plays from tight end Hunter Henry, who recorded a career-high 115 receiving yards.
Henry’s contributions were pivotal, especially when he caught three passes on the Patriots’ touchdown drive following Maye’s interception. Additionally, tight end Austin Hooper provided stability with key receptions, assisting Maye during tough moments.
Running Back Rotation
In the backfield, TreVeyon Henderson emerged as the lead back with ten successful runs but failed to break any substantial yardage. Rhamondre Stevenson, on the other hand, struggled with only five yards on six carries, largely due to insufficient openings.
Wide Receiver Contributions
The receiving corps delivered mixed performances. While Stefon Diggs faced tight coverage, he still made significant first-down catches. Kayshon Boutte returned from injury, showcasing his potential with a DPI drawn on a go route and successful shorter completions.
DeMario Douglas impressed with notable chunk plays, including a diving 37-yard reception, while Mack Hollins contributed with a contested catch. Rookie Kyle Williams also made an impact, returning a kickoff 36 yards, the longest for the team since Week 2.
Defensive Outlook and Injuries
On the defensive side, injuries raised concerns, but it appears the players in question may return soon. This includes tackles Campbell and Wilson, who could provide much-needed depth for the Patriots.
Head coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged that scoring from close quarters is crucial for success and emphasized the need for improvements moving forward, particularly with pivotal games against the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens ahead.
The Patriots need to find more consistency in their play to turn this season around. As they prepare for upcoming matchups, addressing these issues will be crucial to maintain a competitive edge.
