Drake Maye completed 16-of-27 passes for three touchdowns and an interception in the Patriots’ 28-16, Divisional Round win over the Texans.
Unfathomably, Maye also fumbled four times, losing two, but that ended up “just” half C.J. Stroud’s disastrous turnover count. Unlike Stroud, Maye complemented his miscues with enough big plays — especially his 28- and 32-yard touchdown strikes — to help will the Pats to victory in terrible Boston weather conditions. Maye has not covered himself in glory through the Pats’ first two postseason games, but he’s done just enough to help cash in elite defensive performances. That wouldn’t normally be a recommended formula, but it will remain viable for an AFC Championship Game showdown with a Broncos team suddenly on backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Be that as it may, Maye needs to be better if the Patriots are to secure their spot in yet another 21st century Super Bowl.