Sports · American Football · 1 hr ago
Drake Maye’s improved play has the Patriots back in contention
The New England Patriots are 3-2 after two straight wins following a difficult start to the 2026 season.
They are the defending AFC champions, and their early struggles raised concerns about whether they could repeat last year’s success.
Quarterback Drake Maye has been a key part of the turnaround, with his play improving over the past two games.
On throws of at least 15 air yards, he went from completing 9 of 23 passes with no touchdowns and four interceptions in Weeks 1-3 to completing 11 of 18 with three touchdowns and no interceptions in Weeks 4-5.
That deep passing helped Maye finish second in MVP voting last season, and New England could again challenge for the AFC title if he sustains his recent form.
The Patriots also started the season against a difficult schedule, but their remaining schedule is expected to ease.
They host the 2-3 New York Jets next, then play the Chicago Bears on the road.
The New England Patriots have stabilized after a difficult start and are 3-2 after two consecutive wins.
Drake Maye’s improved play, including fewer turnovers and stronger deep passing, has helped put the team back in contention.
Maye has thrown at least three touchdown passes in each of his past two games, a first in his career.
The Patriots’ remaining schedule is expected to be easier than their early-season slate.
- Who
- The New England Patriots and quarterback Drake Maye.
- What
- The Patriots have returned to contention after Maye’s play improved over the past two weeks.
- When
- As of October 14, 2026; the team is 3-2 after its first five games.
- Where
- New England.
- Why
- Maye has improved, particularly on deep passes and in avoiding turnovers, and the Patriots’ schedule is expected to soften.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Maye completed 9 of 23 passes thrown at least 15 air yards, with no touchdowns and four interceptions.
Maye completed 11 of 18 passes thrown at least 15 air yards, with three touchdowns and no interceptions.
The Patriots were 3-2 after stabilizing over the previous two games.
- Patriots record
- 3-2
- Maye deep passes, Weeks 1-3
- 9 of 23 completions; 0 touchdowns; 4 interceptions
- Maye deep passes, Weeks 4-5
- 11 of 18 completions; 3 touchdowns; 0 interceptions
- Next opponent
- New York Jets, Week 6
- Remaining schedule
- Includes a Week 11 bye and a Week 10 game in Munich, Germany