Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union
Drake Maye appeared visibly emotional on the sideline against the Jags
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has endured a tough start to his 2026 season. His performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday was perhaps the worst of his career.
In the Patriots’ 35-6 loss on the road to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday — dropping their record on the season to 1-2 — Drake Maye completed 14 of 25 passes for 199 yards, two interceptions, and a fumble. More concerning than his stats, however, was the eye test, as Maye looked generally lost.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye appeared visibly emotional on the sideline while being consoled by coach Mike Vrabel during a blowout loss to the Jaguars
His performance against the Jags had the 2025 MVP runner-up so visibly emotional on the sidelines that some NFL fans thought he was crying while being consoled by head coach Mike Vrabel (who is undoubtedly feeling the pressure following his offseason controversy with Dianna Russini).
Is Maye crying ???
Nah bro I actually feel bad pic.twitter.com/Il6lOhRTHp— Zack🦈 (@NixForSix) September 27, 2026
Was Drake Maye crying on the sideline?? pic.twitter.com/52bIiYa9Nk
— Underdog (@Underdog) September 27, 2026
One of Maye’s turnovers went particularly viral as the ball simply slipped out of his hand while he was attempting to throw a pass. After the game, Maye was asked if blood from center Jared Wilson’s hand made the ball slick and the QB didn’t deny it.
Genuinely have no idea what I just watched by Drake Maye pic.twitter.com/4lU87FIWHE
— Savage (@Savageboston) September 27, 2026
“You could say that,” he said. “At the same time, I’ve got to hold onto the football.”
“I think it’s disappointing,” he said of his performance. “I’ve got to look at myself in the mirror and take this as a turning point. It’s Week 3, and at the same time we’ve got to have some fuel and realize that what we’re doing out there offensively is unacceptable… This league will humble you quick.”
Through the first three games of the season, Maye’s got just one touchdown pass and an NFL-leading six interceptions. The Pats will look to get back in the win column next Sunday when they head to Buffalo to take on the 3-0 Bills.