Expectations for New England Patriots third-year quarterback Drake Maye were sky-high in 2026. This was especially so after the blockbuster trade for star No. 1 receiver A.J. Brown and the signing of new No. 2 receiver Romeo Doubs.
Unfortunately, Maye has stumbled out of the block. Meanwhile, Bleacher Report's Julia Stumbaugh has highlighted the blistering start the Bills quarterback and longtime Patriots nemesis Josh Allen has had in his first two games.
Allen has lit the NFL on fire, while Maye, after the unfortunate, ill-timed injury to Brown early in Week 1, hasn't met expectations. The Bills started the season 2-0, while the Patriots are at least a now-respectable 1-1.
Regardless, Maye's performance to date has been disappointing, as rookie-like decision-making has cost the Patriots dearly.
For the New England Patriots, it's always about Josh Allen
An inescapable reality since Tom Brady left for Tampa Bay in 2020 is that Josh Allen is the alpha dog in the AFC East. After surprising both the Bills and the entire NFL in 2025, Maye and the Patriots have regressed, as some had predicted this offseason. It's once again Allen who's setting the pace in the AFC East, and against whom all pretenders to the throne must contend.
Brumbaugh noted just how impressive Allen's start has been in the Bills' first two games.
"Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen started the 2026 season with one of the most productive two-game stretches in NFL history. Allen recorded his ninth touchdown of the season as the Bills orchestrated a 41-31 win over the Detroit Lions.
Allen joined former Hall of Famer Ernie Nevers as the second player in NFL history to rack up nine total touchdowns and at least four rushing touchdowns in a five-day span, according to Opta Stats (h/t Bills PR)."
Meanwhile, Maye, while still completing a healthy 67.3 percent of his passes (a small consolation since Allen has completed only 66.7 percent), has been underwhelming. He has thrown just one touchdown pass and thrown four interceptions.
Three of Maye's four interceptions came in the fourth quarter in Week 1 against Seattle, dooming an otherwise real chance to go into the Seahawks' house and take home a revenge win.
Allen has racked up five touchdown passes, along with four on the ground, and has thrown no interceptions. The 6'5", 235-pound bulldozer is a menace, both throwing and on the run. He's setting the trend, not only in the AFC East, but in the entire NFL.
MVP talk is already rampant. But what about the Patriots' and their chances going forward?
Two games do not make a season. Fifteen more remain, including two head-to-head matches against the NFL's current Goliath, Josh Allen. Beating the Bills was never going to be easy, no matter what the Patriots did last season. It will take some doing, and the focal point, as always, will be the quarterback, Maye.
The New England Patriots lack of depth is evident
The Patriots had a mediocre 2026 offseason when it came to adding depth. They have little depth anywhere, except, ironically, at wide receiver. Yet, when you lose your top guy in Week 1, it's a debacle. Patriot Nation can't expect to see Brown back anytime soon. High ankle sprains are notoriously difficult to return from. Others have to take up the slack.
Doubs has had some moments, but two abysmal drops have punctuated his season. Also, running back Rhamondre Stevenson reverted to his 2024 form, fumbling against Pittsburgh. The offensive line also lost their best player, guard Mike Onwenu, probably for the year.
Tellingly, recently signed (July 22) free agent veteran guard Greg Van Roten was first off the bench to replace Onwenu.
The offense's issues are compounded by the offensive coaches. The Patriots need to take the training wheels off. When you lack depth and what you have is being eroded by injuries, you'd better adapt and innovate in a hurry, if you actually have that capacity.
Yet, one bright spot has been the defense. Yet, the depth there is already being severely tested. Starting edge Harold Landry III is still out, and edge Dre'Mont Jones went off against Pittsburgh. Cornerback starter Carlton Davis III is also out.
Nonetheless, in any NFL team, in any season, it ultimately comes down to the quarterback to carry the team. It will ultimately be up to Drake Maye to save the day. No one said it would be easy with Allen around. It never is.
Yet the Patriots beat Buffalo last season, and to do it again this season, Maye will have to lead the way. As talented as he is, he's expected to do just that.
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