The New England Patriots turned over a win to an uninspiring Pittsburgh Steelers team at Gillette Stadium in a dreadful 21-14 loss. The 2024 Patriots, who had a dismal season, lost six games by one score. Similarly, they have now lost two games by a single score. That's not a precedent Mike Vrabel and company will be looking to repeat.
In an eminently winnable game, the Patriots succeeded in blowing a lead to Pittsburgh (arguably the worst Steelers team to visit Gillette Stadium in eons). This was a stinker of the highest magnitude as the Patriots continue to be their own worst enemy. If this continues, they'll be toast before the morning butter has even warmed up this season.
One bright spot thus far, however, is the play of second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Two major issues from last season continue to plague him and the team, though the cast of characters has changed dramatically. Maye still lacks receivers, and his O-line is surrendering sacks at an alarming rate. Regardless, he still shines. It's all bout raw talent. Forget any thoughts of a sophomore slump for Maye.
Drake Maye is lighting up the NFL despite the offense's shortcomings
Thus far in 2025, Drake Maye has continued his ascendancy toward the top echelon of NFL quarterbacks. Even the presence of a still-porous offensive line and sub-par receiving corps can't seem to stunt the growth of this future NFL star.
Chad Graff has outlined some interesting stats racked up by Drake Maye thus far in 2025 in an X post. They are eye-opening.
Through three weeks, Drake Maye ranks:
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) September 22, 2025
-- 10th in adjusted yards/attempt
-- 8th in EPA/play
-- 5th in CPOE
-- 7th in success rate
-- 10th in PFF's passing grade
-- 2nd in completion percentage
Highlighting these stats is the young sophomore quarterback's completion percentage. Through three games, as noted by Graff, he ranks second in the NFL. That percentage, despite a leaky offensive line and receivers who struggle to separate, is still a lofty 72.7 percent. He's significantly bettering his 2024 stats (66 percent).
Thus far, Mike Vrabel's celebrated attempt to shore up the offensive line and receiving corps has to be graded at C+. It's not good enough, and Maye is paying a heavy toll for the lack of competence of his teammates. Regardless, the young slinger continues to impress with a never-say-lose attitude and the perseverance to shake off his teammates' and his own mistakes.
Drake Maye ranks high in passing without a competent offensive line
A second key statistic cited by Graff is Maye's ranking 10th in passing overall. That in itself is an achievement in the NFL, considering the presence of players like Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, Sam Darnold, and Justin Herbert, among others. It demonstrates the raw talent that Maye brings to the table, despite the shortcomings of his supporting cast in several offensive areas.
His running backs are the offense's worst enemy, putting the ball on the ground at an alarming rate, including three times against the Steelers. Maye himself contributed a strip sack and an interception. Five turnovers and you're probably out, no matter who the opposition is.
Mike Vrabel spent a lot of cash and draft capital on his offensive line and wide receiver corps. Unfortunately, the O-line continues to surrender sacks at an alarming rate. Though their pass-protection grade was solidly ranked prior to the Pittsburgh game, they've now conceded 12, 2025 sacks, including five against Pittsburgh. sacks in 202Although
If their four sacks per game average continues, the 2025 unit will surpass 2024's dismal performance (52 sacks, fifth-worst in the NFL) by 16 sacks and a total of 68. The results of Vrabel's rebuild of the offensive line can't be considered anything but a disaster at this point. The only consolation is that it's manned by two rookies on the left side who've had some good moments.
The Patriots have a lousy receiving corps yet Drake Maye still shines
Similarly, the Patriots' receiving corps, although perhaps marginally better than 2024's, is still not producing the results it needs. The team's top wide receiver is Stefon Diggs with 13 catches. If he continues to lead the team at that rate, he'll catch 73 or so passes, only marginally better than the woeful 2024 bunch's top number of 66. It's not a pretty picture for Drake Maye.
Regardless, Maye continues to shine overall, though his own performances have been punctuated by mistakes as well. Against the Steelers, they included his game-sealing interception (though that ball was deflected at the line of scrimmage). He has to clean up his own game.
Nevertheless, all this portends well for the day when Vrabel finally gets his rebuilds of the O-line and receiving corps right. Perhaps it will happen this season as the units on hand evolve. Perhaps not. One thing is clear, though: Maye is a top-notch performer even without those two essential components in place. When he finally does have them, the real fun and consistent winning will result.