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Here come the Patriots: What's changed for Drake Maye, New England as they look all the way back

The New England Patriots have regained their footing after a shaky start to the 2026 season, now sitting at 3-2 and showing signs of returning to their championship-caliber form. Quarterback Drake Maye has been the driving force behind this resurgence, transforming his play over the past two weeks.

Early in the year, Maye struggled with turnovers and deep-ball accuracy, completing just 39% of passes over 15 yards with four interceptions and no touchdowns in Weeks 1-3. However, his performance has since improved dramatically, with a 61% completion rate on deep throws, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in Weeks 4-5—mirroring his MVP-caliber play from last season.

Beyond Maye, the Patriots’ schedule has softened significantly, offering a clearer path to a playoff push as they face weaker competition in the coming weeks, including matchups against the Jets, Bears, Dolphins, and Packers.

The Patriots’ turnaround comes after a challenging start, where they navigated one of the toughest Week 1-4 schedules in recent memory, emerging with a 2-2 record despite early concerns. Their recent stability, combined with Maye’s restored efficiency, suggests they are well on their way to reclaiming their title-contending status.

With a favorable stretch ahead, New England now has the opportunity to solidify their position as a Super Bowl threat once again.

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