Drake Maye is turning the page after New England’s opening loss in Seattle, with the Patriots quarterback already focused on a Week 2 test against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Headline: Drake Maye vows to rebound as Patriots shift focus to Steelers
Maye invoked a familiar Patriots message when discussing the late collapse, saying the team has moved on to Pittsburgh and must handle the weekly swings that come with an NFL season.
The third-year quarterback threw three interceptions in the fourth quarter of the season opener, including the turnover that secured Seattle’s victory. He finished 23-for-33 for 178 yards, one touchdown and a career-high three picks.
New England’s offense found success on short throws. Maye completed 20 of 23 attempts traveling fewer than 10 yards in the air, producing 134 yards and a touchdown, with a plus-8.9% completion percentage over expectation. His downfield work was far less effective: on throws of at least 10 air yards, Maye went 3-for-8 for 44 yards and all three interceptions, posting a minus-12.7% CPOE.
Maye said the Patriots had opportunities in both the running and passing games and believed their approach put them in position to win. New England held a lead and remained within reach of forcing overtime in the fourth quarter, but Maye said he must improve and expects to do so.
The quarterback’s message echoed Bill Belichick’s well-known 2014 response after New England’s 41-14 early-season defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs. Belichick repeatedly redirected attention to Cincinnati, and the Patriots went on to win eight straight games before capturing the Super Bowl. Belichick had already departed New England before Maye entered the league.
Week ahead: Pittsburgh’s pass rush awaits
The Patriots will face a Steelers defense coming off a strong performance against Atlanta backup quarterback Cooper Rush. T.J. Watt recorded the 10th interception of his career and returned a fourth-quarter pick for a touchdown.
New England’s offensive line showed more improvement in the opener than it did during the Super Bowl, but the unit faces another demanding assignment against Pittsburgh’s pressure front. Protecting Maye and limiting turnover opportunities will be central to the Patriots’ effort to level their record in Week 2.
SEO Title: Drake Maye focused on Steelers after Patriots loss in Seattle
SEO Description: Patriots quarterback Drake Maye says New England is moving forward after three late interceptions in its Seattle loss, with T.J. Watt and the Steelers next on the schedule.
