Drake Maye delivers in big way in signature win over Buffalo in primetime

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Drake Maye delivers in big way in signature win over Buffalo in primetime

Karen Guregian · MassLive

Mon, Oct 6, 2025 ·

3 min read

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Drake Maye ’s first primetime game as a starter turned into a memorable one.

After being a bit unsettled in the first half, Maye really got it going in the second half.

He matched Josh Allen throw for throw.

More important, Maye led the Patriots to a 23-20 upset victory over the Buffalo Bills .

The team’s second-year quarterback has arrived. And in a big way.

He showed a calm and poise beyond his years. He and Stefon Diggs , making his first return to Buffalo, couldn’t be stopped.

They were magic, as Diggs finished with 10 catches for 146 yards.

After the Bills took the lead with a touchdown on their opening drive of the third quarter to give the Bills a 10-6 lead, Maye responded.

It was a much-needed answer to Allen, as Maye led a 5-play, 74-yard TD drive. The pivotal play was a 32-yard completion to Diggs.

Rhamondre Stevenson ran it in from four yards out to give the Patriots a 13-10 lead.

From there, after a defensive stop, Maye orchestrated an 11-play, 90-yard drive to put the Pats up 20-10 early in the fourth quarter.

Once again, Diggs, and Hunter Henry made big plays in the drive.

Maye constantly used his legs to get out of trouble and make plays. The Bills couldn’t stop him when he rolled out to his right.

Naturally, Allen & the Bills managed to tie the game at 20-all.

Maye, however, undaunted, took over with 2:12 to play. He engineered a 7-play, 37 yard drive to move the ball into field goal range.

The key play was a 19-yard pass to Kayshon Boutte . But even before that, he made a ridiculous play on the first play of the drive, somehow avoiding the rush, and getting the ball off to Diggs before being sacked. The play went from a sure-loss to an 11-yard gain.

Yes, they were magic.

Andy Borregales nailed a 52-yard field goal with 15 seconds to go to give the Patriots a 23-20 win.

Maye delivered with the game-winning drive.

It was magic, considering the start.

Maye, starting in his first primetime game, didn’t seem comfortable in the pocket in the early going.

He was jumpy, giving up on plays a little too early with receivers open.

He sprinkled in a few great throws - a 22-yard beauty to Hunter Henry in the second quarter was one - but wasn’t able to get the ball in the end zone.

Still, the Pats held a 6-3 lead in a sloppy turnover filled, penalty filled exercise.

They could have led by more.

Most of the mistakes in the opening half were made by the Bills. While the Patriots did hold a slim lead, they really weren’t able capitalize on the Bills miscues (8 penalties, 2 fumbles) which gave them great field position.

Maye was 9 for 16 for 89 yards in the first half. He was sacked twice.

But his second half was one to remember, as he finished 22 for 30 for 273 yards.

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