Patriots QB Drake Maye finds his confidence

The New England Patriots defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 45‑17 on Sunday in Foxborough, Massachusetts, as quarterback Drake Maye posted a season‑high 374 yards, 26 completions on 34 attempts, and four touchdowns. Maye finished without an interception, the first time he had avoided a turnover this season.

Maye said the win was a sign that “there’s still a lot of good football left to play.” “I mean, it’s crazy to say we’ve still got some left to squeeze,” he added, noting the calm, deliberate command he used to spread the ball to nine different receivers, compensating for the absence of wideouts A.J. Brown (injured reserve, sprained ankle) and Mack Hollins (injured reserve, calf injury).

New England’s offense was helped by a solid defensive performance that limited the Raiders, who average 28.8 points per game, to only 5 of 13 third‑down conversions. The Patriots forced a fumble and sacked Raiders’ quarterback Kirk Cousins twice, keeping the visitors from finding a rhythm after an early touchdown.

Injuries were a continuing theme for the Patriots. Running back TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) and left tackle Will Campbell (right knee) left the field two plays apart. Campbell had spent the previous season on injured‑reserve for four games with a right‑knee injury before returning for the season finale and playoffs. Campbell’s spot was filled by rookie Caleb Lomu, who will serve as Maye’s blind‑side protector for the duration of Campbell’s absence. “I don’t think it was too big for him,” coach Mike Vrabel said of Lomu. “I think he was able to settle down. You didn’t really notice him a lot, so I think that’s probably a good thing.”

The Patriots’ defense also struggled with discipline, committing a season‑high 12 penalties for 116 yards. Vrabel described the number of infractions as “ridiculous” after the game.

Wide receiver Kyle Williams, in his second season, had a productive outing, catching three passes for 91 yards and a touchdown, including a 34‑yard score in the third quarter. The secondary, however, was forced to play without starting corners Christian Gonzalez (shoulder) and Carlton Davis III (neck). Cornerback Charles Woods left in the third quarter with a shoulder injury, and the group was unable to contain Raiders’ tight end Brock Bowers, who finished with eight receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown.

The Patriots finish with a record that now places them above the AFC East rivals and ahead of the New York Jets, who are slated to play New England on Sunday. The win reinforces the belief that the Patriots can compete with the AFC’s top teams this season.