After an MVP-caliber "sophomore" NFL season, former UNC football standout Drake Maye is having a rough start to Year Three.
Quarterbacking the New England Patriots, Maye has just 386 passing yards through three games. Highlighting his struggles, Maye only has one touchdown pass to six interceptions, plus a lost fumble Sunday during a 35-6 loss.
When asked about Sunday's performance in his postgame presser, Maye was very critical of himself, saying his play is costing New England a chance at winning games.
"I think it's disappointing," Maye said. "You know, I think when the ball starts rolling like that, we can't get out of our own way and I can't get out of my own way personally. So, I gotta look at myself in the mirror and take this as a turning
point. It's Week 3 and at the same time, we gotta add some fuel and realize that what we're doing out there offensively is unacceptable. It's been unacceptable for three weeks. I start with myself and then lead these guys. We gotta get back after it."
#Patriots QB Drake Maye postgame:
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) September 27, 2026
“I think it’s disappointing. I think when the ball starts rolling like that, we can’t get out of our own way and I can’t get out of my own way, personally. I gotta look at myself in the mirror and take this as a turning point. It’s Week 3.”
(🎥… pic.twitter.com/n2p4mVHWSY
There's no excuse for Maye's poor performance, but every quarterback endures his fair share of struggles. Maye's new WR1, A.J. Brown, is currently in IR. Mack Hollins, another former Tar Heel, anchored the Pats' pass-catching attack with a game-high 87 receiving yards on Sunday.
Mike Vrabel benched his QB1 on Sunday, turning to Tommy DeVito in a fourth-quarter blowout. This type of move can mess with a QB's head, but Vrabel likely didn't want his starting QB to get injured.
Next up for Maye and his New England Patriots? A road date next Sunday with the Buffalo Bills, who have an aggressive defense.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Drake Maye critical of self after Week 3 NFL struggles
