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Drake Maye Joins Patriots Hall of Famer in Unfortunate Sack Club Despite Beating Falcons
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- Drake Maye Joins Patriots Hall of Famer in Unfortunate Sack Club Despite Beating Falcons
Rising star Drake Maye joined an exclusive New England Patriots group in Sunday's victory over the Atlanta Falcons , becoming only the third Patriots quarterback since 2000 to be sacked at least five times in consecutive games.
The Falcons' defense sacked Maye six times for 38 yards in the Patriots' 24-23 triumph, just a week after the Browns recorded six sacks and 37 yards. Patriots Hall of Famer Drew Bledsoe (Week 1 and Week 2, 2000) and Jacoby Brissett (Week 3 and Week 4, 2024) are the only other Patriots quarterbacks to endure at least five sacks in back-to-back weeks this century.
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Luckily for the Patriots, they escaped with a 1-point win despite the Falcons' pressure. The second-year quarterback threw an interception and fumbled twice, and his 65.5% completion percentage marked his lowest since Week 1.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel met with Maye on the sidelines following a third-quarter interception, an interaction the quarterback expressed gratitude for during his postgame press conference.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye runs from Atlanta Falcons defensive end LaCale London in a Week 9 victoryBrian Fluharty-Imagn Images
"He's great at coming up to me after really every drive," Maye said. "He comes over and says something to me, always positive, always wanting me to rally the guys around me, always challenging me to battle adversity and get the guys going.
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"I just appreciate the way he coaches me," Maye added . "He's hard on me, but he's very positive, and he wants the best out of me."
Drake Maye Ranks Among the NFL's Most Sacked Quarterbacks
Vrabel and the Patriots have gotten used to seeing Maye hit the ground throughout the season. Maye has taken 34 sacks, trailing only Tennessee Titans rookie Cam Ward (38) through nine weeks.
No other quarterbacks have been sacked more than 28 times. Only Baltimore Ravens superstar Lamar Jackson (12.59%) has a worse sack percentage than Maye's 11.76%, though injuries have limited Jackson to five games. Maye leads all quarterbacks who have started at least eight games.
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We'll see whether the Patriots attempt to upgrade their offensive line ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline. Veteran center Garrett Bradbury 's 63.7% PFF grade ranks 18th among 33 centers, and rookie Will Campbell (69.9) is in the top half of qualified offensive tackles. However, rookie left guard Jared Wilson's 50.7% score is 64th of 82 guards.
Maye nonetheless leads the NFL with a 74.1% completion percentage, and he's thrown for 2,285 yards, 17 touchdowns, and four interceptions. The 7-2 Patriots lead the AFC East and are on pace for just their second playoff berth since Tom Brady departed following the 2019 season.
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NFL Media gives the Patriots an 89% chance to reach the postseason, fourth-best among AFC teams as of Monday, November 3. Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills (93%) are in excellent shape following their Week 9 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs , while the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos are both at 90%.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 3, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
