After a less than ideal start to the season in a week one loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, the New England Patriots were able to bounce back in week two against the Miami Dolphins in Miami. The Patriots, projected to have a redemption season in comparison to previous years, seem to be back on the right track toward making themselves a playoff contending team.
This week two contest was filled with, to be frank, sloppy football. Although there was only one turnover, an interception thrown by Tua Tagovailoa, the football being played was not clean, nor well played. Examples include the recovered fumble by the Patriots as well as the missed extra points by New England’s kicker, Andy Borregales.
Despite this apparent sloppiness, the Patriots, as stated above, were able to prove themselves triumphant, mostly through the help of kick returner and running back Antonio Gibson. Although Gibson does not typically see a lot of action in the backfield, only running for five carries and twenty seven yards in the contest, his role as a kick returner proved his contribution throughout the game, especially with his ninety yard kickoff return for a touchdown. This play gave the Patriots the lead, and eventually the win. Drake Maye was also a standout player for New England, as he led the team to victory with zero turnovers, which Maye has struggled with a little bit toward the beginning of his career, as well as 230 passing yards and two passing touchdowns; he also rushed for 31 rushing yards and a touchdown. His three touchdowns inspired Hingham High student Will Cosman, who remarked, “Drake Maye showed flashes of stardom in his three touchdown win over the Miami Dolphins.” Through the first two weeks of the season, Maye seems to be determined to gain yards on the ground himself by using his speed, which often goes undetected when scouting the young quarterback. His promising start has instilled confidence in Hingham High Student Beckett Williams, who said, “The Drake Maye season is upon us.” This sentiment is common among Patriots fans.
Apart from the game itself, Maye has shown great leadership off the field, being named a captain of the offense in only his second season, as well as showing more communication with his teammates, and confidence in his abilities. This could have some connotation with New England’s plan to build around him. In the offseason, the front office was able to acquire star receiver Stefon Diggs from the Houston Texans, as well as offensive lineman Will Campbell as the third pick in the draft. Upon being drafted, Campbell made remarks on how he would fight and die to protect his quarterback, which must have instilled a sense of confidence in Maye.
