From MVP hopeful to turnover leader: Can Brady's philosophy save Maye’s season?

Drake Maye entered the 2026 season with expectations few quarterbacks could escape.

After finishing last season as an MVP runner-up and taking the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl, he was expected to build on that breakout campaign. Instead, three games into the new season, Maye is searching for answers.

The third-year quarterback has completed 63.8% of his passes for 585 yards, with one touchdown and six interceptions. He’s also lost a fumble, meaning he’s responsible for seven turnovers through three games.

His latest performance was especially damaging, as Jacksonville forced three turnovers from Maye during a 35-6 Patriots defeat.

Maye hasn't hidden from his struggles. After the Jacksonville loss, he acknowledged that the offense has been unacceptable and said he needed to look himself in the mirror. He also identified protecting the football as his responsibility.

"I don't feel like we're struggling to move the ball. I think we're turning the football over, doing things that are preventing us from scoring touchdowns, and I think that's one of the biggest things for me,” said Maye .

The Patriots' next challenge won't make things easier. New England is 1-2 and travels to face the undefeated Buffalo Bills, making Sunday's AFC East matchup an immediate test for a quarterback trying to regain his rhythm.

Interestingly, one potential solution comes from the most successful quarterback in Patriots history.

Maye can take a page from Brady's playbook

Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald has urged Maye to adopt a lesson associated with Tom Brady's final season in New England: sometimes, the best decision is simply avoiding a bad one.

During Brady's final Patriots campaign in 2019, New England had a defense capable of controlling games. That meant Brady didn't always need to force the offense into spectacular plays. Protecting the football and avoiding negative situations could allow the defense and special teams to carry more of the burden.

That philosophy could be particularly valuable for Maye right now. His natural ability to create plays outside structure is part of what made him so exciting last season, but the same aggressiveness can become a problem when it leads to turnovers.

Maye doesn't need to completely change his identity. He may simply need to become more selective about when he takes risks. Throwing the ball away, accepting a short completion or settling for a punt can sometimes be more valuable than attempting a low-percentage throw.

Maye has also dismissed concerns that his right shoulder is responsible for his problems. He was listed on the injury report Wednesday but practiced fully and said the shoulder hasn't affected his throwing or decision-making.

"I felt good out there today," he said. "I think we've had a history of good football when we don't turn the football over, so that's the biggest thing, and I'm looking forward to another good week of practice."

Against Buffalo, Maye's challenge may be to play patiently, protect the football and stop trying to make every possession special.