Patriots Player Spotlight: Drake Maye Dazzled in Week 2 Win

Joseph McLaughlin
4 days ago
3 min read

Photo Caption: Patriots quarterback Drake Maye evading Dolphins linebacker Matthew Judon for a touchdown during New England’s 33-27 victory over Miami on September 14, 2025. Photo Credit: Rebecca Blackwell/AP Photo.

Miami, FL — In the waning seconds of the third quarter of New England’s Week 2 bout against the Miami Dolphins, the Patriots lined up for 1st & Goal at the Dolphins’ six-yard line. The Pats found themselves down 20-15 and were in desperate need of a score.

Quarterback Drake Maye lined up in shotgun, aiming to deliver a quick touchdown strike. However, when he snapped the ball, the Dolphins brought pressure.

Former Patriot Matthew Judon rushed at Maye with blazing speed. Maye was forced out of the pocket with no one open downfield.

He faced a decision: either throw the ball away or take the play into his own hands and try to score. He instinctively chose the latter, escaped a diving effort from Judon, and raced to the endzone to give the Patriots the lead.

The play served as an exclamation point on what was a stellar day for the sophomore quarterback. He threw 19 passes on 23 attempts for 230 yards and two touchdowns, with the addition of the rushing touchdown.

It was a contrast from Week 1 against the Raiders, where Maye did not play up to his standard of football. In that game, Maye was inaccurate with throws, hesitant with his decision-making, and overall a little rusty. He, however, shook off the mistakes and dazzled in Miami.

“He’s growing up. I feel like he made a jump from last week, just settling in,” said Patriots Receiver Stefon Diggs about his quarterback to Mike Reiss of ESPN.

Maye, selected 3rd overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, was seen as the future for the New England Patriots, mainly because of his play-making ability. He can throw the ball deep, he can stand in the pocket, scramble, and run the ball.

Many have compared him to a younger version of reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen, who is known for both his passes and rushes. Maye showcased both on Sunday against the Dolphins.

The rushing touchdown from Maye was a turning point in the game, but overall, Maye rushed 10 times for 31 yards. That was more rushing yards than Devon Achane, who led the Dolphins with 30 yards.

Each of Maye’s 19 completions was precise and accurate, including a 55-yard bomb to running back Rhamondre Stevenson on the same drive as his rushing touchdown. It was a throw that looked to be overthrown, but it landed perfectly in the hands of Stevenson.

“That's a play me, all the running backs and Drake and all the quarterbacks have been working on all offseason,” said Stevenson to ESPN.

Photo Caption: Drake Maye making a pass during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins on September 14, 2025. Photo Credit: Sam Navarro/Imagn Images.

The Patriots look ahead to a Sunday afternoon bout with Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. The game will be a tougher test, but the Steelers did not look pretty against the Seahawks in Week 2, so anything is on the table. Maye could be the difference maker in the game.

Sunday’s win over the Dolphins was a collective team effort, but Maye appeared to be a field general for the offense. If he can continue to perform at this standard, Patriots fans should be excited to see what he does for the rest of the season.