ESPN Pushes Back on Drake Maye Concerns Amid Rough Start for Patriots Quarterback image
Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Drake Maye's early-season interception numbers have raised some eyebrows, but ESPN isn't convinced the New England Patriots quarterback has a real problem.
Maye has thrown four interceptions on passes traveling at least 15 yards downfield through the Patriots' first two games. That's already matched his total from all of last season.
Still, ESPN's Mike Reiss labeled the trend a "mirage" when evaluating the NFL's biggest surprises through the first two weeks.
Part of the reason is the competition Maye has faced. The Patriots opened the season in a Super Bowl rematch against the Seattle Seahawks before facing the Pittsburgh Steelers, two of the league's better defenses.
Maye also has been without one of his biggest weapons. Top wide receiver A.J. Brown is sidelined with an ankle injury, leaving the second-year quarterback without a key option in the passing game.
The circumstances surrounding Maye's start also matter. He did not play during the preseason, meaning his first two games of 2026 marked his first meaningful action of the year.
According to Reiss, Maye's accuracy and decision-making, two of his biggest strengths, should improve as he gets more time on task.
That could be encouraging news for the Patriots, especially if Maye's early struggles prove to be an anomaly rather than a sign of a larger issue.
Through two games, the interceptions are certainly notable. But ESPN believes there are plenty of reasons to expect Maye's deep-ball production to improve as he settles into the season.
More Patriots