Full Breakdown
Patriots’ Week 3 Collapse: Drake Maye’s Turnover Surge and Growing Concerns
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Jaguars 35, Patriots 6 (September 27, 2026)
At EverBank Stadium, New England fell 35-6 to Jacksonville. Quarterback Drake Maye completed 14 of 25 passes for 199 yards, threw no touchdowns, was intercepted twice and lost a fumble, giving him seven giveaways in three games, the league lead. The Patriots managed only two field goals and 317 total yards; Jacksonville posted 315 yards, five touchdowns and a perfect red-zone conversion rate.
Background & Context
Maye entered the season as the 2025 NFL MVP runner-up and the catalyst of the Patriots’ Super Bowl LX run. The 2026 roster is missing key playmakers: wide receiver A.J. Brown is on injured reserve, and the departures of Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte have left Maye with less-proven targets such as Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins. Injuries also thinned the offensive line and the defense. After a Week 2 win over Pittsburgh, the Patriots entered Jacksonville with a 1-2 record and a weakened pass rush.
Data & Statistics
- Turnovers: 7 giveaways (6 interceptions, 1 fumble) – league-leading.
- Interceptions: 6, most by a Patriots quarterback through three games since Drew Bledsoe in 1994.
- QBR: 11.9, the lowest for a Patriots starter since Bailey Zappe’s 1.9 in 2023.
- Scoring: Patriots – 0 TD, 2 FG; Jaguars – 5 TD, 0 FG.
- Yardage: Patriots – 317 total (234 passing, 83 rushing); Jaguars – 315 total (182 passing, 133 rushing).
- Penalties: Nine penalties for 68 yards, including three neutral-zone infractions.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Mike Vrabel said his “concern level is very high” after the loss and emphasized the need to “work” and make better decisions. Maye took responsibility, calling the offense’s output “unacceptable” and urging the team to “band together” while focusing on “protecting the football.” He noted a cut on center Jared Wilson left blood on the ball, which he believes contributed to the early fumble; Wilson confirmed the cut but did not confirm its effect on grip.
Defensive back Christian Gonzalez added, “It’s not just Drake. It’s the defense. We’ve got to be better. We gotta stop the ball.”
Criticism & Opposition
“This is a massive concern right now,” said analyst Phil Perry.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The exact cause of Maye’s first-quarter fumble is disputed. Maye and several outlets attribute the slip to blood from Wilson’s cut, while ESPN Research reported the ball “slipped out of his hand” without citing the blood explanation.
What’s Next
The Patriots travel to Buffalo for a Week 4 showdown with the 3-0 Bills. Coach Vrabel indicated the staff will review film and focus on “ball protection” before the next game. No roster moves or quarterback changes have been announced.