Drake Maye ignites MVP race as Patriots extend streak with dominant Giants win
FOXBOROUGH, Mass.
The New England Patriots showcased their dominance once again, overpowering the New York Giants 33-15 in a Week 13 clash at Gillette Stadium. This victory marks the Patriots’ 11th win of the season and extends their impressive winning streak to 10 games. With this success, they have further entrenched themselves at the top of both the conference and division standings as they head into a well-deserved bye week.
Maye’s Stellar Performance
Quarterback Drake Maye was the centerpiece of the Patriots’ victory, completing 24 of 31 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns. His performance drew “MVP” chants from the home crowd, a testament to his growing reputation as a contender for the league’s most prestigious individual award.
In his first touchdown drive, Maye efficiently guided the team 61 yards in just five plays. He connected with tight end Hunter Henry for a 36-yard gain, setting up a short three-yard touchdown pass to receiver Boutte. Maye’s second touchdown came in the second quarter, during another five-play drive that covered 58 yards, capped off by a beautifully placed 33-yard pass to rookie receiver Kyle Williams.
Notably, that touchdown marked Maye’s 11th against the blitz this season, tying him with the legendary Tom Brady for the most in a single season by a Patriots quarterback in the last decade. Known for his elite arm strength, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound quarterback combines velocity with precision, making him a formidable threat both in the air and on the ground. As he continues to impress, Maye is emerging as a serious challenger to Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in the MVP race.
Jones Shines as Return Specialist
While Maye led the offense, Marcus Jones quietly established himself as one of the most dynamic return men in the NFL. His standout moment came when he returned a punt from Giants punter Jamie Gillan a staggering 94 yards for a touchdown—his second of the season. This electrifying play not only tied him with Julian Edelman for the longest punt return in team history but also made him the fourth player to return two or more punts for touchdowns in a single season for the franchise.
Jones has been a key asset for the Patriots, having previously earned the title of AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after his 87-yard return touchdown against the Carolina Panthers. His contribution to the team has been significant, as he has averaged 14.6 yards per punt return, accumulating 234 return yards this season. His dynamic playmaking ability adds another layer of depth to New England’s already formidable roster.
Looking Ahead
As the Patriots head into the bye week, the momentum generated by this win against the Giants should serve as a catalyst for the rest of the season. With Maye’s rising star and Jones’s electrifying returns, the team appears well-equipped to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. The combination of a potent offense and a special teams unit that can flip the field is a recipe for success as they aim for a deep playoff run.
