Drake Maye re-enacts infamous Tom Brady play to end Patriots game
The Patriots had a struggle-filled day against the Titans on Sunday, with a disappointing effort from nearly every player who stepped onto the field. The offense was unable to run the football despite Rhamondre Stevenson being available, Drake Maye was pressured at the highest rate he has dealt with in a few weeks, and the defense couldn't slow down the Titans' offense.
The silver lining of it all was that Tennessee is also not a great team, coming into their Week 9 matchup with a 1-6 record. With a backup quarterback under center and a DeAndre Hopkins-less receiving corps, they were dealing with a lot of question marks throughout the day, too.
None were as bad as the Patriots; however, the same problems they've had all season plagued their efforts in this game. Questionable play-calling became a topic of discussion amongst fans online, especially with the run game not working and Alex Van Pelt's insistence on continuing to use it.
That led to Maye leading the team in rushing yards and solidifying himself atop Patriots history for quarterbacks recording the most rushing yards in a game, proving beyond any reasonable doubt he is the quarterback of the future.
That was further proven by his incredible game-extending touchdown at the end of regulation, which forced the game into overtime. That impressive display of awareness and athleticism was the latest example of why the Patriots drafted him earlier this year, and while that remains true, he followed that up with a game-ending interception after the Titans failed to score a touchdown on their opening overtime drive.
It was eerily similar to the last play we saw from Tom Brady with the Patriots in 2020.
Although most fans won't want to remember that nor look back on it fondly, the legendary quarterback also dealt with a similar fate in the wildcard round of the playoffs that year, with his last pass with New England resulting in an interception.
It was certainly a disappointing way to end the game, especially after the thrill of how Maye was able to force overtime.
However, the best thing to take away from this latest loss is that the Patriots undoubtedly have their quarterback, and he continues to demonstrate that every week. That's a massive hole they no longer need to worry about, and once Maye is surrounded by top offensive talent in the receiving corps and offensive line, there's no stopping him.