Drake Maye doesn’t shy away from accountability, even when it means shouldering blame that others aim elsewhere. After a tough 21-24 loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Patriots‘ rookie QB passionately defended the locker room staff.

Maye spoke out about the struggles plaguing his team, particularly the growing criticism of HC Jerod Mayo and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. Maye’s fiery post-game comments came after a game where the Patriots offense struggled in the second half. “A bunch of conversations about our coaching staff… I think it’s some BS, to be quite honest,” Maye said, rejecting criticism of Mayo and his staff.

Maye, frustrated by his performance, admitted fault on a recent interception, calling it ‘a heartbreaker.’ The rookie continued, pointing the finger at himself for the team’s missed opportunities. “It’s on me. I’ve got to be better… Make better throws and give our guys chances,” he admitted. His humility and candor truly stand out, especially in a season filled with frustration. And Maye’s commitment to the team was clear, even as he acknowledged their dwindled playoff hopes.

“We’re not going to make the playoffs,” Maye acknowledged. “We’re out of the race, and these guys are coming in, frustrated when we don’t score. They’ve got energy at practice, and they’ve got energy coming into the game. We want to win… But I’m proud to be a Patriot,” he declared. This determination to fight, despite a 5-9 record, resonates with fans and teammates alike.

The loss also showcased Maye’s ability to learn under pressure. Facing an MVP-caliber opponent, he held his own but acknowledged, “At some point down there, it’s a reflection of the quarterback. I think it’s starting to come that way down in the red zone, and I’ve got to do better.” His self-awareness reflects his growth mindset.

Kraft and players rally behind Mayo

While some fans and analysts question Jerod Mayo’s future, the Patriots’ leadership remains steadfast. Reports suggest Robert Kraft views Mayo as a long-term solution, emphasizing patience during this rebuilding phase. This unity contrasts with external skepticism and demonstrates a resilient locker room.

“Coach Mayo, those guys, like I said, we’ve got his back, and he’s coached us hard. He wants to win. We all want to win,” Maye emphasized. Despite struggles, Kraft’s confidence in Mayo hasn’t wavered either. According to Ian Rapoport, “The Krafts want to keep Jerod Mayo.” Why?

Rapoport answers on NFL GameDay, “They believe he is the leader of the organization for the future, and they knew it would be a multi-year process to get this thing right. That is their stance right now.” This endorsement suggests changes will focus on other areas rather than the head coach. For fans, the message is clear: rebuilding takes time. The Patriots aim to build a foundation for sustained success, even if immediate results fall short. Drake Maye’s development will be central to this vision.

As the season winds down, the Patriots face pivotal decisions. But with leaders like Maye and Mayo earning respect and support, the team might already have key pieces in place. For now, it’s about staying the course and fighting for each win.