4 takeaways from Drake Maye’s press conference after Patriots ‘heartbreaking’ loss to Colts
"Proud of the way the guys fought."
The Patriots gave themselves a chance to win Sunday’s game against the Colts, but costly penalties and a lack of defensive poise late led to a demoralizing, 25-24, loss.
Rookie quarterback Drake Maye showed promise once again, finishing 24 for 30 for 238 yards, a touchdown, and a somewhat fluky interception.
Here’s what the Patriots’ budding star had to say afterward:
He called it a “heartbreaking loss.”
Maye orchestrated a strong fourth-quarter drive that led to an 11-yard touchdown run from Antonio Gibson with 8:43 remaining. He hit Kayshon Boutte for a 2-point pass to give New England a 24-17 lead.
The defense played well in stretches, but it couldn’t stop the Colts late on a methodical, 19-play, 80-yard drive. Alec Pierce corralled a 3-yard TD reception, then Indianapolis went for two and QB Anthony Richardson delivered.
The Patriots had one final gasp, but Joey Slye missed a desperation 68-yard field goal as time expired.
“It was heartbreaking,” Maye told reporters. “I think our guys fought hard, did a lot of good things. That’s what Coach (Jerod) Mayo preaches in the locker room. We did a lot of good things on film. Proud of the way the guys fought.”
Maye made sure to praise the defense, noting that they “played their butts off.” He was encouraged by the performance in many areas, including the efficiency in the passing game.
“It’s a bummer,” Maye said. “I hate it for these guys, and I hate it for these coaches. We’re practicing hard. We’re fighting hard, and just came up short.”
He said they “can’t settle” for field goals.
The Patriots had four trips inside the 10-yard line and only came away with one touchdown. Maye said there were a lot of tight windows, tight throws, and plays where he has to give his receivers and tight ends chances.
“Just can’t settle for four field goals in the red zone and expect to win ball games,” Maye told reporters.
One of those missed opportunities came late in the first half, when the Patriots advanced to the Colts’ 3-yard-line and Maye was sacked for a loss of three. Vederian Lowe was also whistled for holding on the play.
The sack backed New England up, and Slye missed a 25-yard field goal he would almost always hit.
Then in the third quarter, Maye tried to find tight end Hunter Henry in traffic near the goal line, and Julian Blackmon came away with an interception after a ricochet.
“I think I put it on the wrong shoulder,” Maye said. “I think if I put it on the opposite shoulder away from the defender, and I think that’s maybe a completion there. Just unfortunate it got tipped up.”
He likes where the offense is headed.
The Patriots posted their second-highest point total of the season – which isn’t saying much, but is still noteworthy – and it’s clear Maye likes the direction of the offense.
“I think we’re dynamic,” Maye said. “I think we can hurt them in the pass game and the run game.”
Maye said the Patriots have play action, have boot, have a run game, have throwing it down the field, and have guys making extra efforts once they catch the ball.
“There’s another layer to it of making more explosive plays, but we saw that a lot from our run after catch today,” Maye said.
He still believes he has room to grow.
As promising as Maye’s performance was, he continues to be his own toughest critic.
“I still think I left some plays out there,” Maye said. “I just hate it myself. I pride myself on trying to lead this team to wins, and we didn’t accomplish that. That’s probably the biggest thing.”
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