Drake Maye continues his rise back to MVP form as Patriots blow out Raiders

FOXBOROUGH - Drake Maye looked more like the 2025 version in last week’s win over the Buffalo Bills.

And that was good news for the Patriots. But, given how shaky he was in the first three games, that didn’t necessarily mean the Patriots quarterback was out of the woods.

It merely set the stage for him to continue on the right path in Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders, or in the worst case scenario, set off more alarm bells with poor, mistake-riddled play.

Maye left no doubt which way he was headed during the Patriots 45-17 blowout of the Raiders.

This was vintage Maye, and then some.

From the first series on, last year’s MVP runner-up played with a confidence that had been lacking in the opening few games. He was in complete control of the Patriots offense. He was accurate, hitting every receiver at his disposal.

He threw four touchdown passes. He also ran for a score.

Down both A.J. Brown and Mack Hollins, Maye made do with his remaining cast of receivers. More important, he elevated the group.

The Patriots jumped out to a 21-7 first half lead with Maye throwing two touchdown passes, first hitting a wide open DeMario Douglas from 35 yards out on the opening drive, then Hunter Henry from 11 yards out before the end of the half.

Maye was efficient right out of the gate, completing 11 of 15 passes for 160 yards by halftime.

The Patriots had the ball to start the third quarter. Four plays later the rout was on.

Maye hit Kyle Williams with a 34-yard touchdown pass, his third of the day, and the Patriots pretty much coasted from there.

Maye hadn’t connected much with the second-year receiver in previous games, but took advantage of Williams speed to burn the visitors with a couple of long balls.

The Raiders, who arrived in town with a 3-1 record, had no answer for the Patriots offense. Josh McDaniels called another great game, utilizing a good pass-run balance, and Maye & Co. did the rest.

It’s tough to play a much better game than Maye, who finished 26-of-34 for 374 yards with a near perfect passer rating of 150.9. He didn’t turn the ball over, and accounted for five touchdowns, four passing, one rushing.

And, he had everyone involved. He spread the ball around to nine different receivers, including a few who hadn’t done much the first four games.

Williams finished catching 3 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. Douglas had 4 catches for 65 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Eli Raridon caught 5 balls for for 57 yards, while Efton Chism III also had 5 catches for 57 yards.

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