The New England Patriots staged a dramatic comeback against the Baltimore Ravens, with quarterback Drake Maye pouring in a career-best 380 yards and two touchdowns to lift the team to a 28-24 victory and a playoff berth.
A Late Surge
Down 24-13, Maye delivered a 37-yard strike to wide receiver Kyle Williams and followed it with a 2-point conversion pass to running back Rhamondre Stevenson, cutting the deficit to a single point with 9:01 remaining. New England forced a punt and then marched 89 yards to score the game-winning touchdown. The final score left the Patriots 7-0 on the road in Mike Vrabel’s first season as head coach.
Maye’s Masterclass
The 28-24 win was built on Maye’s 380-yard, two-touchdown performance, the most he has thrown in a single game. He completed 12 of 14 passes in the fourth quarter for 139 yards, including a 21-yard run by Stevenson with 2:07 left that sealed the win. The Patriots’ offense also benefited from a strong drive that capped off the game after the Ravens’ pass rush, which had been ineffective earlier, tightened up in the final minutes.
Coach Vrabel’s Focus
“We’re going to try to win the division. We’re going to focus on that,” said Vrabel after the game. “I’m excited. All the credit to the players. When we win, it’s because of them.”
The coach’s comments came as New England remains a game ahead of second-place Buffalo, even after a loss to the Bills last week. The Patriots’ road record now stands at 7-0, a first-time achievement under Vrabel.
Ravens’ Collapse
Baltimore entered the contest with a 7-8 record and was two games behind AFC North-leading Pittsburgh with two games left in the season. The Ravens’ loss was compounded by a back injury to quarterback Lamar Jackson in the second quarter and a fumble by Zay Flowers on the final drive, which gave New England the ball with a chance to win.
“Tough loss,” said Ravens coach John Harbaugh. “We didn’t do the winning things we need to do. We made some mistakes that cost us.”
Jackson’s injury, coupled with the Ravens’ 0-3 home record this season, has left the franchise struggling to stay in the playoff conversation. Baltimore’s home schedule now reads 3-6, the worst mark in franchise history.
Key Plays and Injuries
- The Patriots’ 28-24 victory was the result of a 21-yard run by Stevenson, a 37-yard touchdown to Williams, and a 2-point conversion to Stevenson.
- New England’s rookie of the year candidate Tre’Veyon Henderson left the game with a head injury in the second quarter.
- Injuries on the Patriots’ roster included DT Joshua Farmer (hamstring), CB Charles Woods (ankle), WR DeMario Douglas (hamstring), and DL Khyiris Tonga (foot).
- The Ravens lost G Andrew Vorhees to a foot injury.
The Road Ahead
The Patriots will face the New York Jets at home next Sunday. The Ravens’ next game is an away matchup against Green Bay on Saturday night.
Key Takeaways
- Drake Maye’s 380-yard, two-touchdown performance helped the Patriots rally from an 11-point deficit to win 28-24.
- The win secured New England a playoff spot and kept them a game ahead of Buffalo in the AFC East.
- Baltimore’s 7-8 record and two-game deficit to Pittsburgh, combined with a 3-6 home record, keep the Ravens out of playoff contention.
The game highlighted the Patriots’ resilience and the Ravens’ ongoing struggles, setting the stage for the final weeks of the season.
Closing
With a dramatic finish and a decisive victory, the Patriots have proven they are a force to be reckoned with in the AFC East. Meanwhile, the Ravens face a steep climb to stay in the playoff conversation as the season draws to a close.
