Maye became the first quarterback to record five or more sacks in three playoff games in one postseason, according to NFL Research. But the Patriots QB also became the first to take down three top-five defenses in one postseason, besting the Chargers (fifth in total defense), Texans (first) and Broncos (second).
“He’s a playmaker, man. He’s going to battle,” Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte told Wolfe. “Man, we all trust him, we all believe in him. He’s done a great job all season. He’s the engine of the offense. He’s going to keep going.”
Not counting the knee down, Maye averaged 9.7 yards per rush attempt. Maye attempted just seven passes after halftime – and just one in the fourth quarter – as the snow piled up quickly.
“That’s the great thing about Drake, the ability to extend plays and, if he’s not there, get some bite,” Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said. “He’s done that for most of the year. Again, we’ve got to get a lot of things right and we’ve got to play our best football in two weeks if we want to finish (as) champions.”
Maye struggled to catch passes early and started the game 3-for-6 passing for 7 yards. By halftime, Maye had thrown for just 41 yards and had three of his five sacks on the day. The Patriots struggled to get the ball to some of their best weapons. Diggs, Hunter Henry and Boutte combined for eight receptions for 25 yards on 15 targets. Before Maye could close out the game, the Patriots returned third-and-7 and third-and-10 in the second half.
“We didn’t play our best ball in the first half and in the second half (we) came out and just battled in the weather, the snow, the weather,” Maye said. “It was a huge win and our defense, they stepped up. It was fun to watch.”
Wide receiver Mack Hollins, playing for the first time since Week 16, gave the Patriots a lift with catches of 20 and 31 yards. Hollin’s 31-yarder over the shoulder — Maye’s best throw of the game — helped set up Andres Borregales’ 46-yard field goal, but it was no good, the second of the rookie kicker’s two misses.
With the Patriots defense holding the Broncos down, Jarrett Stidham was intercepted with just over two minutes remaining, all Maye had to do was play a turnover free ball and let his legs take the Patriots home.
“He put the game on his shoulders,” Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams said, “and went out there and won it for us.”
Maye knows the Patriots offense was far from artistic and they have averaged just 18 points per game in their three playoff wins. But they have two weeks to clean things up as they prepare for Super Bowl LX.
“I think we still haven’t played our best football in the playoffs and I’m looking forward to seeing that and hopefully getting the click to win the Super Bowl,” Maye said. “That would be pretty cool.”