The New England Patriots got their 2026 season started on the wrong foot, as they lost to the Seattle Seahawks by a 13-10 final score in Week 1. It was certainly a frustrating loss for the Patriots, as they blew a 10-0 lead. This was even after the Seahawks lost their starting quarterback Sam Darnold during the early stages of the game due to injury.
It was simply a poor showing for the Patriots, and ESPN's Stephen A. Smith put the blame on Drake Maye for New England's terrible finish to the game. "All of it was on him last night," Smith said about Maye.
"Three interceptions on your last three drives. He threw three interceptions in the third quarter. 55% completions, sacked three times, threw three interceptions... You know that Sam Darnold is out.
They can't score, and all you got to do is protect the football, and you failed to do that? I can't put this on anybody but him." Clearly, Smith was not impressed with Maye's performance, and it is understandable. The 24-year-old undoubtedly played a big role in the Patriots' late-game collapse due to his interceptions and sloppy play.
Now, the Huntersville, North Carolina native will need to put together a strong bounce-back performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sep. 20 in Week 2. In 17 games last season for New England, Maye threw 31 touchdowns, eight interceptions, 4,394 yards, and completed 72% of his passes. He also helped lead New England to the Super Bowl.
With this, there is no question that he has the potential to turn things back around after his nightmare Week 1.
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