"The Patriots and their 23-year-old quarterback entered their biggest game of the season with a clear objective: end every offensive drive with a kick, whether it's an extra point, field goal, or punt. Both Maye and head coach Mike Vrabel have preached the importance of ball security, and it was especially paramount Sunday against the Houston Texans' No. 1-ranked defense."
"Box score watchers will be crushing Drake Maye for his interception.Game watchers will be crushing him for his fumbles.- Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) January 18, 2026 The box score warriors are going to hone in on Maye's five total turnovers in his two playoff starts, but he had an unfortunate interception in the Chargers game on a tipped ball at the line of scrimmage, and his "pick" against the Texans came on a Hail Mary heave as time expired in the first half."
Patriots and 23-year-old quarterback Drake Maye prioritized ball security and aimed to end every offensive drive with a kick. New England scored the only points of the fourth quarter and won 28-16 to reach the AFC Championship. Maye fumbled four times against the Texans, three inside the pocket, losing two and totaling three lost fumbles in the postseason. Some turnovers were unlucky — a tipped interception against the Chargers and a Hail Mary 'pick' at halftime — but the persistent problem is fumbles when the ball is on the ground. That regression in ball security threatens the team's Super Bowl prospects against the Denver Broncos.
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