Drake Maye, Patriots’ Offense Could Exploit the Lions’ Biggest Defensive Weaknesses

Drake Maye and the New England Patriots' passing offense struggled against the Green Bay Packers in Week 9, but the Detroit Lions present a much different defensive challenge — one that could give the quarterback an opportunity to bounce back.

In New England’s 45-27 defeat at the hands of Green Bay, Maye failed to sustain consistent offensive momentum. His turnover woes returned against the Packers, tossing three interceptions for the second time in the 2026 regular season. 

Previously a strength for Maye over the Patriots’ last five games, Green Bay’s pressure and high blitz-rate rattled Maye in the pocket, presenting a constantly changing pre-and-post-snap picture that allowed the Packers to live in the backfield and tarnish Maye’s previously stellar efficiency against such looks. 

Prior to the Green Bay game, Maye had completed 35-of-57 passing attempts (61.4%) with 489 yards (8.6 yards per attempt), six touchdowns, no interceptions, a passer rating of 124.1, and an EPA/play of +0.20 when under pressure since the beginning of October. His 90.7 PFF grade when under pressure during that span ranked first among all NFL quarterbacks.

When opponents brought extra rushers, he was even more impressive during that span; Maye completed 41-of-61 passing attempts (67.2%) with 688 yards (11.3 yards per attempt), seven touchdowns, one interception, a passer rating of 136.5, and an EPA/play of +0.40 against the blitz. His 91.6 PFF grade when under pressure ranked first among all NFL quarterbacks.

That script was flipped against the Packers. Maye was blitzed on 20 of his 43 total dropbacks in the game (46.5%, per PFF), and completed 6-of-16 passing attempts (37.5%) with 61 passing yards (3.8 yards per attempt), no touchdowns, one interception, three sacks, and a passer rating of 50.8. When under pressure (20 dropbacks, 46.5%), Maye completed 6-of-15 passing attempts (40.0%) with 86 passing yards (5.7 yards per attempt), no touchdowns, no interceptions, four sacks, and a passer rating of 59.3.

Maye’s shortcomings against Green Bay were obvious, but his resilience was also apparent, matching his interception total with three passing touchdowns. With those scores, Maye has totaled three-plus touchdowns in six consecutive games — the second-longest in franchise history (Tom Brady, 2007, 10 games).

Now, Maye and New England’s passing attack look ahead to Detroit — a team that may be ripe for the taking through the air, if Maye can endure the Lions’ pass-rush.

Detroit has been able to create disruption in the backfield this season — ranking third in total sacks (27) — but they do so in a much different way than their NFC North rival. The Lions blitz at the seventh-lowest rate in the league (23.7%, per SūmerSports), using a four-man rush that features the fifth-highest stunt rate league-wide (33.3%), with the third-most pressures (51) and second-most sacks (10) when they’ve used defensive line games.

Detroit can generate pressure without blitzing, but their reliance on a four-man rush presents Maye with a different challenge — and potentially more opportunities to attack downfield.

When opposing passers have been given time to operate within the pocket, the Lions haven’t held-up in coverage. They’ve given up the most passing yards per game to opponents (260.9), the most passing attempts per game (39.1), and the most passing touchdowns per game (2.25), while ranking 28th in EPA/pass (+0.13) and 22nd in passing success rate (45.9%). 

To Maye’s benefit, Detroit has allowed the third-highest Average Depth of Target (ADoT, 9.32 yards) in the NFL, allow explosive plays at the seventh-highest rate (14.9%), and are tied (with New England) for 24th with eight forced turnovers on the season (six interceptions, two fumble recoveries).

The Lions can be had deep, and that’s exactly where Maye has looked to gash defenses this season. His 10.2-yard ADoT ranks second among quarterbacks, and the Patriots’ 16.9% explosive play rate ranks third in the NFL (per PFF). 

New England has been surviving offensively through the continued absences of their top perimeter targets — and to that end, there may be another layer of this matchup that skews heavily in the Patriots’ favor. 

Working the passing game from the inside out against Detroit could be a worthwhile strategy for New England, as the Lions’ defense has been incapable of neutralizing opposing tight ends. Detroit has allowed the second-most targets (86) and receptions (64) to the position, while surrendering the most yards (704) and touchdowns (11). 

Thus, Hunter Henry and Eli Raridon will each enjoy a favorable matchup across the pond. 

Henry has resumed his role as the team’s most dependable pass-catching target in 2026, leading the team in receptions (32), ranking second in targets (37) and yards (361), and tying for third with two touchdowns on the year. Earlier this season, Henry passed Russ Francis for third-place on the franchise’s all-time tight end receiving yards list, and drew even with Francis for third-place in tight end touchdowns (28).

Raridon’s efficiency has slowed in recent weeks, but he’s still seen increased involvement. He’s currently tied for fourth on the team in targets (26), and ranks sixth in receptions (16) and receiving yards (225) with two touchdowns. Already proving to be a dangerous target on deep passes, Raridon’s 99.9 offensive grade on 20-plus yard throws ranks first in the NFL; he’s hauled in each of his four targets with 119 yards and one touchdown on such plays.

Both Henry (66%) and Raridon (51%) have played more than half of New England’s total offensive snaps on the season, often used in tandem in 12 personnel packages (23.7%, 16th), or interchangeably in 11 personnel (60.0%, 12th).

When the Patriots do look to attack the boundary, they can expect a continued resurgence from Mack Hollins. 

Without the services of A.J. Brown or Romeo Doubs, New England has been sorely lacking a true perimeter threat in recent weeks — but just got a trusted target back with the activation of Hollins last week. At the time of his departure, he ranked as the Patriots’ leading receiver in targets (20), receptions (15), and yards (209) — a trusted target for Maye in the passing game with a large frame, wide catch radius, and dependable hands.

In his first game back from injury, Hollins was targeted six times and recorded three receptions with 36 receiving yards and a touchdown — his first of the season. Also used as a versatile, in-line run-blocker in under-center sets, Hollins’ weekly snap share will only continue to rise as he works his way back into the offense. Expect an even larger role for him this weekend, even with the potential return of Brown (who practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday). 

The Lions defense has been extremely susceptible to explosive plays and tight end production all season long. While New England’s offense has faced several challenges this season, those are two areas where they have a proven track record of success. A Maye bounce back could certainly be in play against Detroit in Munich.

How do you think Maye will bounce back against the Lions’ defense? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on Patriots Roundtable.

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