The Patriots picked up a thrilling comeback from behind, 28-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens in a game that seemed out of reach early in the fourth quarter.
Drake Maye led an incredible comeback throwing for 380 yards and two touchdowns in the win. The defense struggled for most of the game but made big stops down the stretch culminating in a forced fumble by K’Lavon Chaisson that led to the Patriots putting the game away.
It was an incredible night. Here are seven thoughts on the game.
1. Patriots come from behind: Trailing 24-13 and looking like they were toast, the Patriots scored two touchdowns on two of their final three possessions to come from behind and win 28-24. Drake Maye took another step towards being an elite quarterback with a strong second half where he routinely made some big throws to bring the Patriots back. Maye’s ability to extend plays proved to be valuable and his pinpoint accuracy vertically allowed the Patriots to make some much needed big plays down the field.
Mike Vrabel’s football team collectively grew up before our very eyes tonight and they look playoff ready.
2. Maye’s Day: Drake Maye completed 31-of-44 passes for 380 yards and two touchdown passes. He did throw an interception on the Patriots first possession and he missed on some throws but he was on point when he needed to be in the fourth quarter. It was first three yard passing day of Maye’s career and the first 300 yard passing day for a Patriots quarterback since 2022. What made it even more impressive was the fact that he was under duress on 43.8% of his drop backs last night.
3. Diggs comes up big: Stefon had his fourth 100 yard game of the season last night, catching 9 passes for 138 yards in the win. Diggs hasn’t always been consistent this season but when the lights shine brightest, he plays big. He has been a great addition to this team both on and off the field. He once again proved that he is a premier receiver in this league and an X-factor.
4. Injuries pile up: The injuries really piled up last night. Trey’veon Henderson left the game with a concussion. Josh Farmer, Khyris Tonga, Pop Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Morgan Moses and Thayer Mumford also left the game at various points with injuries. The Patriots are banged up but it is that time of the year. If guys can play through things, they should. The status of some of the guys mentioned is still up in the air. The holiday week will further complicate things but the Patriots are the walking wounded right now.
5. Defense struggles but comes up big late: The defense struggled for most of the game. They couldn’t get off blocks, took bad pursuit angles and couldn’t set an edge against the run. They couldn’t get off the field on third down either as Baltimore converted on 7 of 11 third downs. Despite all that, when they needed to make a couple of stops, they did. K’Lavon Chaisson’s forced turnover exemplified that while this may not be an elite defense, they play hard for four quarters. They are on fumes right now and need to get healthy. Getting back Milton Williams and Robert Spillane would help.
6. The punch heard around the world: Chaisson’s forced fumble was all effort. He came from the right side on a T-E stunt, chased down Zay Flowers and punched it out. The punch was perfectly timed. Chaisson is a prime example of the effort that we talk about with this defense. They always hustle and always play to the whistle. It paid off last night.
7. Patriots back in the playoffs: For the first time in three years, the Patriots are back in the playoffs. I know Patriots fans act like they had to cross the Sahara Desert but compared to Jets and Browns fans, it has been a short a wait. Are the Patriots “all the way” back? Probably not but given how wide open things are right in the NFL, you never know.