NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots
Sep 20, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots offense player Drake Maye (10) walks onto the field prior to a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The New England Patriots might have a quarterback problem. What in the world has happened to Drake Maye?
The 2026 NFL season is already presenting tons of dramatic twists and turns. However, Maye’s inconsistent play might be the most shocking development just three weeks into the campaign.
On Sunday, the Patriots star became an instant meme after losing a fumble against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Maye seemingly lost the ball while attempting to pass with no pressure on him from the Jaguars defense.
The former college football star now has five turnovers this season, including four interceptions. It’s certainly a stark difference in play compared to what Patriots fans saw from Maye most of last year.
In 2025, Maye only threw eight interceptions over the course of the entire campaign.
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Do the Patriots have a quarterback problem?
I have no clue what is going on with Drake Maye.
He’s prob been the worst qb in the NFL since game 1 of last playoffs
I can’t explain this. pic.twitter.com/WjmMPkDCjn
— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) September 27, 2026
Spoiled franchises like the Patriots aren’t used to life without elite QB play, especially after having Tom Brady and Drew Bledsoe for so long.
There should be some concern for New England, though, considering all the hype surrounding Maye in his third NFL season. Yes, the 2025 postseason showed a lot of holes in his game, including several games where the Pats offense was held under 20 points.
Nobody’s suggesting the Patriots do anything drastic with their 2024 first-round pick. A.J. Brown is out injured for at least several more weeks, which is a huge loss for New England’s passing game.
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It’s just a results-based league, and the Patriots have high expectations for their team considering the Super Bowl success the franchise has had the last 25 years.