Raiders Could Capitalize Turnover Issues Of Patriots QB

Quarterback Drake Maye of the New England Patriots has been something of a turnover machine this year, and the Las Vegas Raiders have an attacking defense that’s generating turnovers. These two things go together, and they could help the Raiders get their fourth win of the season when they come to Foxboro on Sunday for their weekend matchup with the Pats. 

Maye’s issues with this have been something of a mystery. There have been stretches where he’s looked like the quarterback who led New England to the Super Bowl last season, and other times when he looks utterly baffled and forgets that he’s supposed to be protecting the ball. 

The game-by-game examination of his performances to date is the most basic way to get a handle on what Maye has been doing. Maye had New England knocking on the door of an opening win against the Seattle Seahawk, but he wound up with three interceptions as he handed the Seahawks a 13-10 win. 

He was similarly disastrous against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3, as he threw two picks and fumbled twice, losing one of the fumbles. New England got trounced by the Jaguars, 35-6, and questions also began to surface about Maye’s shoulder, which he hurt in the playoffs last year, and about his relationship with coach Mike Vrabel. 

But Maye rebounded with a stronger performance in New England’s 29-26 road win against the Buffalo Bills last Sunday, as he threw for 269 yards and three touchdowns to go with a single interception. He also lost one of three fumbles, so this issue is by no means fixed. 

For the Raiders, it represents an opportunity that comes with some risk. The Raiders were able to get turnovers against the Los Angeles Chargers and New Orlean Saints, especially with the Saints, who handed the Raiders a tight game by turning the ball over four straight times in the fourth quarter. 

But putting a pass rush on Maye sometimes allows him to use his legs, and he’s dangerous when that happens. He ran for 54 yards against Buffalo on just eight carries, and breakout runs are part of his arsenal. 

The Raiders know all about this. They learned the hard way against quarterback Tyler Shough of the New Orleans Saints, who got loose early for a big run, which is what happens when you decide to break a quarterback with ball security issues. It’s something to watch for on Sunday to see just how aggressive Las Vegas will be in an AFC matchup that’s one of the best of the week.