It is a solid moment to be a New England Patriots supporter.
Monday evening saw a continuation of the squad’s excellent season as the Patriots sidelined the New York Giants 33-15 to register their 10th straight triumph.
Quarterback Drake Maye guided the effort as the organization recorded its longest victory stretch since also winning 10 in a row back in 2015.
Maye passed 24-of-31 for 282 yards, with two scores and zero turnovers on an evening that observed the Patriots advance to the summit of the AFC.
New England also became the first squad in the NFL to achieve 11 wins this season, boosting its ledger on the year to 11-2.
“Just attempting to be the front, attempting to be the leader,” Maye commented postgame. “Trying to desire the pressure. You want the ball in my hands.”
In reality the contest went as many had foreseen, with the Giants falling short on the day in nearly every aspect of the play – New England amassed 395 total yards compared to New York’s 239 – and the match was effectively beyond reach by intermission with the Pats ahead 30-7.
New York has now dropped seven consecutive contests and even returning rookie QB Jaxson Dart could not alter the poor trend for the franchise.
Drake Maye runs off the field after the win over the Giants at Gillette Stadium.
Drake Maye runs off the field after the win over the Giants at Gillette Stadium. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
Dart had missed the preceding two matches with a concussion and sought to inject some vigor into the team upon his reappearance – he finished 17-of-24 for 139 yards and one touchdown.
“We were just scraping and struggling. You’re trying to discover any route to catch up,” Dart stated following the game.
The newcomer though was definite about the outcome despite his strong showing: “Not sufficient because we lost.”
For the Patriots, prospects are looking far more promising.
Head coach Mike Vrabel expressed high regard for his squad, particularly the consistent results from Maye.
Entering the Patriots’ week off, the 23-year-old tops the NFL in passing yards (3,412), completion percentage (71.5%) and passer rating (111.9) and ranks fourth with 23 touchdown throws. It’s the caliber of play that has placed him as a contender for the MVP accolade in only his second campaign in the sport.
“I think he’s recognizing what he can become and the influence that he has on this offense being the leader,” Vrabel remarked, per NFL.com.
“He’s tough on himself. I believe that he pushes himself, as well as his trainers. He signifies a great deal to this football unit.”
A victory in their subsequent game against Buffalo would secure the AFC East for the Patriots, ending the Bills’ streak of five consecutive division crowns.
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