NFLSep 30
Maye and Patriots Face Mounting Offensive Problems Before Bills Test
Turnovers, injuries and changing defensive looks have left New England last in offensive scoring as a difficult stretch approaches.
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A rough start demands a response
The Patriots head to Buffalo searching for answers after a 35-6 loss to Jacksonville exposed problems throughout their offense. The defending AFC champions are 1-2, with offensive production down to an NFL-worst 9.7 points per game. Drake Maye has thrown six interceptions and lost a fumble, a sharp contrast to the comfort he described entering his second season in Josh McDaniels’ system. Against the Jaguars, his third turnover became a touchdown before Mike Vrabel offered encouragement on the sideline. Vrabel has not considered sitting Maye. Instead, his message centers on avoiding forced plays and building confidence through better preparation.
The supporting cast is struggling, too
Maye’s mistakes are only part of the issue. A.J. Brown remains on injured reserve with a right high ankle sprain and will miss at least the next two games. Maye has no touchdown passes and five interceptions when throwing to wide receivers. Protection has also deteriorated. Starting right guard Mike Onwenu suffered a broken right ankle against Pittsburgh, and replacement Greg Van Roten left the Jacksonville game with a thigh injury. Maye faced pressure on 47% of his dropbacks against the Jaguars. The ground game has offered limited relief, averaging 3.9 yards per carry. Romeo Doubs has emphasized that stronger fundamentals and more disciplined execution are needed across the unit.
Defenses adjust as the schedule tightens
Opponents are giving Maye different problems to solve. He has faced zone coverage on 65% of his dropbacks, up from 51% last season, with more deep-safety looks designed to limit downfield opportunities. New England must find solutions quickly. The Bills enter Sunday at 3-0, and the Patriots then host the 3-0 Raiders. Vrabel’s focus is on practice-field execution and shared responsibilities, with little margin for the offense to keep misfiring.
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