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Drake Maye is excited by his next prime time opportunity
"That's what we're trying to play for many years down the road. Trying to be the team that people want to see at night, and people want to see when the only game on is us."
The Patriots have already played three prime time games this season, and due to their success are set to play a fourth this Sunday.
This weekend’s game against the Ravens was flexed from its 1 p.m. slot to 8:20 p.m. on Sunday Night Football, replacing the Bengals vs. Dolphins matchup.
With more eyes on him in an important AFC contest, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye believes the Patriots are up for the pressure.
“That’s what you play for,” Maye told reporters on Wednesday when asked about this schedule change. “That’s what we’re trying to play for many years down the road. Trying to be the team that people want to see at night, and people want to see when the only game on is us.”
Prime time games have gone well for the Patriots so far this year, as they are 3-0. They beat the Bills 23-20 on Oct. 5, the Jets 27-14 on Nov. 13, and the Giants 33-15 on Dec. 1.
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This is vastly different than last year, when New England only had one prime time matchup against the Jets, in which they lost 24-3. This new-look Patriots team has players and fans alike excited about the football that’s yet to be played.
“That’s what you want the New England Patriots to be,” Maye continued. “Playing in night games that matter and home playoff games, and that’s what we’re building towards.”
Sunday night will be significant for both sides, as there are major playoff implications for each team.
The Patriots can clinch a playoff spot with a win, as well as get one step closer to the AFC East title. The Ravens, on the other hand, can still guarantee the AFC North title if they win out, but a loss on Sunday will mean they need help from the Steelers losing if they want to make the postseason.
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Maye knows that these last few weeks are what players look forward to, and what the season has been leading up to.
“Just try to keep going,” Maye said about making it to Week 16. “Do things a little more, study a little more, do a little more after practice to try to make up for the 16 weeks that you’ve put on your body. And know that these weeks are the weeks that you play the last 14 games for.”
All eyes will be on the QB matchup between Maye and the Ravens’ Lamar Jackson as both teams fight for their playoff positions.
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