Drake Maye Rewrites NFL History in His First Playoff Win

Drake Maye Rewrites NFL History in His First Playoff Win

Drake Maye (Image via IMAGO)

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Drake Maye did everything Mike Vrabel asked of him. When the passing game wasn’t clicking, he used his legs to keep plays alive. The second-year quarterback left no stone unturned to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers in the playoffs on Sunday night.

Maye didn’t let a first-quarter interception dictate the outcome. It was to be expected. The Chargers put together a tough defense stacked with Pro Bowl talent across the lineup. Maye was sacked five times and lost 33 yards.

Despite the pressure, Maye completed 17 passes from 29 attempts (58.6%, which is his worst pass completion rate since the Week 15 loss against the Buffalo Bills) for 268 yards and threw one touchdown pass. Tight end Hunter Henry finished off a 28-yard touchdown pass around the ten-minute mark in the final quarter.

Maye further carried the ball 10 times for 66 yards, which included a 37-yard tuck and roll right before the halftime break. There was no touchdown at the end of the drive, as the Patriots had to settle for a field goal from Andres Borregales.

The Patriots won 16-3. In the process, Maye, at 23, became the youngest player in NFL history with 250+ passing yards and 50+ rushing yards in a playoff victory.

Drake Maye credits the Patriots’ defense for the win

A team’s win probability skyrockets when the defense supports the offense by keeping the other team from scoring. The Patriots’ defense ensured Maye stayed comfortable even when the offense hit a dry spell.

Drake Maye Rewrites NFL History in His First Playoff Win
Drake Maye (Image via IMAGO)

They applied 30 pressures on Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, sacking him six times and forcing two fumbles (lost once). The Patriots are the first team since the 1985 Chicago Bears (vs. the Giants) to limit the opposing team to just 207 net yards.

Maye rightfully praised the defense for doing the heavy lifting on the night.

Congrats to the defense. What a night. It was so fun to watch. Props to the fans, that was a great environment. I’ve got [the offensive line] behind me… These guys, man. I’m rocking with them any time. Any time, any place.

Drake Maye said post-game

One name that definitely deserves a special mention is defensive tackle Milton Williams. Williams logged three total tackles and two sacks.

Well, we talked to him about being willing to spill some blood out there, and that the big dogs come out in January. I think Milt took that to heart in the way that he played the game.

Mike Vrabel said

It was the Patriots’ first playoff win since becoming Super Bowl champions in 2018 (for the sixth time). Meanwhile, Josh Allen and the Bills defeated the Jaguars, the 49ers beat the Eagles, the Bears triumphed over rivals the Packers, and the Rams secured a last-gasp win over the Panthers in Carolina.

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