A turnover-plagued season for Drake Maye hit a new low on Sunday.
The New England Patriots were driving on their second possession in a scoreless game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. On first-and-10 from the Jacksonville 35, Maye dropped back for a pass and appeared to be targeting wide receiver Kyle Williams, who had one-on-one coverage on a post route down the right sideline.
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But he forgot one thing — to throw the ball. Just before he brought his arm forward to pass, the ball slipped from Maye’s hand.
Jaguars defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton recovered the ball, and a promising Patriots possession was over.
Maye wasn’t hit. He wasn’t even under pressure. The ball just slipped from his hand. Replay confirmed the call on the field that the ball came loose before his arm moved forward.
Here’s another look in slow-motion confirming that the ball was out.
Making matters worse for the Patriots, the Jaguars converted the turnover into a 10-play 62-yard touchdown drive for a 7-0 lead.
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The turnover was Maye’s fifth this season and his 13th since the start of last season’s playoffs in six-plus games. His five turnovers through the first quarter of Sunday’s game were tied for the most in the NFL with Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush. As of the time of Sunday’s first-quarter fumble, Maye had tallied just one touchdown this season.
By comparison, Maye totaled 11 turnovers in 17 games over the course of the entire 2025 regular season in route to All-Pro honors and a runner-up finish in the MVP race. Until he fixes his turnover issues, the Patriots are going to have a difficult time gaining traction in their quest to repeat as AFC champions.
