Late on a Sunday night Drake Maye led his first big-time comeback against a reeling Baltimore Ravens team. The Patriots won 28-24 to extend their road record to 7-0.
This was the first time Coach Vrabel had to deal with a disappointing loss late in the season in his first year at the helm in New England. Losing to the Bills did not end the season, but if you listen to local sports radio and read the comments online, the negative nellies, who are way Grumblier than me, it seemed like the Bills loss was the end of the world.
Vrabel’s team made the right plays at the right time, and did not let an 11-point deficit early in the fourth keep them from fighting back. This is a great sign for a young team in its first year under a new coach. The Pats also clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2021. They are close to clinching the division, and with a little help are still in the race for the first seed.
Josh McDaniels had a good plan again, especially getting Stefon Diggs involved heavily. Diggs is clearly an emotional leader for the offense, and they respond to him when he is fully invested. Throw him the damn ball! 9 for 138 is a good, good thing for a young QB.
Drake Maye had his first 300-yard game, and it was a big one. He went 31 for 44 with 380 yards and two touchdowns to go along with an interception.
The Ravens’ Derrick Henry ate the defense up on the ground, not an unknown thing for him over the years. The Patriots benefited from a curious decision not to use him in the 4th quarter. The Pats defense forced two fumbles, including a key one on Zach Flowers that really ended the game. The defense continues to suffer with little to no pass-rush consistency, which could be a big issue in the playoffs.
Old Grumbly Fan Predictions
The Patriots are 12-3 and have a shot to clinch the division title against the Jets. The could also achieve their third 8-0 road record in team history. In 2007 and 2016, the Pats had 8-0 records on the road and went to the Super Bowl. The Jets are seemingly more focused on the fan kicking a field goal for charity than their team. The ownership continues to be one of the worst in pro sports. While it is good for the Pats, how can it be good for the league to have this team be a continual laughingstock?
Even with a bunch of injuries, I think the Pats roll big in this game, going in favored by two touchdowns. I think they go up big and coast.
Pats 45 – Jets 10
