Despite the Patriots' Week 9 win, Drake Maye remains grounded, acknowledging that he needs to play better for the team moving forward. The quarterback, who went 19-of-29 for 259 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, also had a fumble. While his numbers aren't bad, they didn't meet his own high standards.
"I gotta play better for this team," Maye said after the 24-23 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. "It’s tough in a game where you win and you can feel in that locker room that these guys know we can play better. And I think it’s a good feeling to have, but also at the same time, it’s tough to win in this league. So you gotta enjoy it. You gotta enjoy it."
Despite the win, the Patriots are 7-2 and sit atop the AFC East standings. Sacks remain an issue, and Maye didn’t want to put it on the defense to make another stop at the end of the game. It all worked out in the end, with Parker Romo missing the game-tying extra point in the fourth quarter and Hunter Henry making a clutch catch on third-and-5 to seal the win.
Maye's focus on improvement is a testament to his professionalism and commitment to the team. While the win is a boost, he knows that the team can play better, and he's determined to lead by example. The Patriots' defense also kept its running back streak alive, and their receiver had his first 100-yard game, which has teammates and the coach thrilled. However, the team must continue to address sacks and turnovers to maintain their winning streak.
