The New England Patriots desperately needed some momentum, and taking down a divisional rival will always do the trick. It wasn't easy or pretty, but Mike Vrabel's team ultimately sealed the deal with some big plays down the stretch.
Notably, Drake Maye finally looked like the MVP runner-up he was last season. It wasn't his most efficient outing, and the Buffalo Bills' defense did a great job disrupting his rhythm, but it was a game to build on.
However, Maye still couldn't play mistake-free football. He had one interception, becoming the first Patriots QB to throw at least seven picks since the legendary Tom Brady did it 23 years ago in 2003. That said, things worked out pretty well for the Pats in the end.
Drake Maye has a chance to emulate Tom Brady in the best way
Like Maye, Brady also struggled early on in the 2003 season. He threw four picks against the Buffalo Bills and had three more three weeks later. Still, the Patriots rallied and won 12 straight games after starting the season 2-2, and Brady closed out the year with 354 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, one pick, and Super Bowl MVP honors.
So, who's to say Maye can't do the same here? The Patriots needed some momentum, and watching the offense come to life against such a stout defense should give the third-year quarterback the motivation and confidence he so clearly craved.
Maye finished the game with 22 completions on 37 attempts for 269 yards, three touchdowns, and one pick. He took only one sack, made better decisions, and used his legs with eight scrambles for 54 yards.
He's already shown what he's capable of, and while the start of the season was less than ideal, it was way too early to give up on him or count him out. The running game hasn't taken off yet, and one-dimensional offenses also tend to struggle; it's not all on Maye.
Also, with A.J. Brown out, Mack Hollins leaving the game, and no one but Hunter Henry routinely creating separation, Josh McDaniels' unit hasn't done much for its quarterback. Still, he found ways to get the job done.
Maye should buy Efton Chism II dinner after that highlight touchdown grab. That play right there might be the catalyst to turn this slow start of the season around and, like the legendary Tom Brady a little over two years ago, lead this team all the way to the promised land.
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