Drake Maye's Rough Start Puts Patriots' Offense Under Scrutiny
Coaches are shifting to a short passing game with more run support to counter pressure-driven turnovers.
Overview
- Through two games Maye has thrown four interceptions and one touchdown, producing an uncharacteristic start compared with his strong 2025 season.
- Coverage cites clear pocket discomfort: pressure has sped Maye’s reads, broken his mechanics, and earned him a 26.8 passing-under-pressure grade from Pro Football Focus.
- The Patriots will be without No. 1 receiver A.J. Brown for roughly four weeks and recently traded Kayshon Boutte, prompting depth moves such as signing veteran guard Greg Van Roten.
- Coaches and analysts call for immediate tactical fixes — quicker, shorter throws, a stronger run game and faster in-pocket decisions — that they say are realistically correctable.
- Sunday’s game in Jacksonville is a consequential test because the Jaguars produced 22 interceptions last season, and Maye’s rushing upside offers one clear path to fantasy value even if passing struggles continue.