With one touchdown and seven turnovers through his first three NFL games this fall, former UNC football standout Drake Maye played a fraction of his MVP-competing self from a year ago.
As a result of Maye's struggles, which he repeatedly blamed himself for on two separate occasions, the New England Patriots started 1-2 with a one-possession loss, blowout win and massive defeat.
Maye's latest performance, though, could be a sign he's finally overcoming his early 2026 struggles. On Sunday, Maye anchored a game-winning drive, helping New England to a 29-26 win over the previously-unbeaten Buffalo Bills.
Maye completed four passes on the Patriots' (2-2) scoring drive, ending it with a 23-yard completion to second-year wide receiver Efton Chism III.
After the New England defense intercepted Josh Allen, Maye then iced the game with a 12-yard, third-down completion to Hunter Henry deep in his own territory.
Maye kneeled twice to run out the clock, the Patriots celebrated and gained a crucial, early-season win against their greatest AFC East rival.
Drake Maye for the lead 🤯
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 4, 2026
📺: https://t.co/DkE2OGnOFW pic.twitter.com/EILWX1cxDr
"That's life in the NFL," Maye said. "I'm just blessed to be out here. What a game. Everybody stepped up, it means a lot. It's just a start. We got a little bit of rhythm back. We're not where we want be at and that's the best thing, coming out here. We have a great defense. They play their butts off every week, so we can work with that, knowing that we've got to play complementary football and live by it."
Maye completed 22 of his 37 passes for a season-best 269 yards and three touchdowns, tossing just one interception, while running for a season-high 54 yards on eight carries.
If Maye plays like he did Sunday, the Pats will be right back in the thick of AFC contention.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Drake Maye responds with 3-touchdown day in Patriots' upset win Sunday
