Drake Maye and the New England Patriots improved to 10-2 on the season after beating the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. 

Maye, who finished 22-35 for 294 yards, one passing touchdown and one interception, was a little emotional after the game because Jared Wilson and Will Campbell got carted off with injuries. 

"Shoot, I love those guys," Maye said. "They're going to be alright. That's the big thing about those guys — they are going to work hard and they are going to be back. They've done such a good job for us this year. Will and Jared have meant a lot to me. I have gotten to know them in different ways. It's disappointing. That's this game. That's life. They'll bounce back and help us down the road."

Maye is putting up MVP numbers this season. He has 3,130 passing yards and 21 passing touchdowns.

The UNC product is completing 71.0% of his passes for the Patriots, who are Super Bowl contenders for the first time in the post-Tom Brady era. 

Maye threw his first pick-six in the NFL against the Bengals, but he didn't let the turnover rattle him. 

"That's what this league is about — battling adversity," Maye said. "I gave them one early in the game and just battled back on the next drive. Just trying to have a 'next play' mentality. That's what coach (Mike Vrabel) is preaching all the time, battling back from good plays and battling back from bad plays. I'm proud of our defense. They stepped up big time. It's 'next man up.' We had a lot of guys come in, make plays and help us out. I'm proud of them. It's good to get that 10th win."

All signs point toward the Patriots winning the AFC East this season for the first time since 2019. Even though Maye will certainly miss Wilson and Campbell, the talented QB believes in his other offensive linemen.

"They care for each other," Maye said. "Shoot, they're always laughing and hanging out outside of football. They go do things. They're just a tight-knit group. I'm proud to be the one behind center with those guys. Credit to them for just showing up every week. Coming in here, I think you had Ben Brown, Marcus Bryant come in for a little bit, so those guys are just ready to go. I'm just proud to have those guys block for me."

Maye and the Patriots face the New York Giants on December 1. It's been a special season for New England thus far. Let's see if it continues with Wilson and Campbell out.