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Drake Maye Throws Five TDs as Patriots Clinch First AFC East Title Since 2019

The near-perfect outing strengthened his MVP case, keeping New England in play for the AFC’s No. 1 seed entering Week 18.

Overview

  • Maye went 19-for-21 for 256 yards with five touchdowns to five different targets and was replaced by Joshua Dobbs with 5:31 left in the third quarter of a 42-10 win over the Jets.
  • He became the first NFL player to complete at least 90% of his passes with 250-plus yards and five touchdown throws in a single game.
  • Season totals reached 4,203 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, making Maye the third Patriots quarterback to surpass 4,000 yards in a season, joining Tom Brady and Drew Bledsoe.
  • New England improved to 13-3 and finished 8-0 on the road, clinching the division after Buffalo lost 13-12 to Philadelphia later in the day.
  • Coach Mike Vrabel endorsed Maye’s MVP candidacy as betting odds shortened, with analysts noting the performance came against a 3-13 Jets team and that the No. 1 seed still hinges on Week 18 results.