By R.L. Bynum
Drake Maye took his share of hits but kept hitting receivers with stunning precision and range, leading the New England Patriots to their fourth consecutive victory — and making more history in the process.
In the Patriots’ 31–13 win at Tennessee on Sunday, Maye completed 21 of 23 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns for a 135.9 passer rating. He completed 16 consecutive passes at one point and:
— Set the franchise record for highest completion percentage in a single game (21 of 23) at 91.3%, topping Tom Brady’s 88.5% mark from 2009 (minimum 20 attempts).
— Registered the seventh-highest completion percentage in a game in NFL history.
— Tied Brady (2007) for the most games in team history of at least 200 passing yards, a 135 passer rating and two passing touchdowns in a season with four games.
— Became the third player in NFL history to throw for more than 200 yards with a passer rating of at least 100 in six consecutive games at age 23 or younger, joining Patrick Mahomes and Dan Marino.
— Passed Matt Cassel to move into ninth place on the Patriots’ all-time passing yards list.
— Became the only quarterback this season with two passes with an air distance of at least 50 yards.
— Became the first player in NFL history to record 4,000 passing yards and 500 rushing yards with at least a 69% completion percentage in the first 20 games of their career.
Maye’s first touchdown came on a 3-yard strike to Austin Hooper, who caught it over a defender, with 5:38 left in the first half, capping a season-long 93-yard drive that included a 22-yard connection with Mack Hollins.
“We had a basically high-low out there,” Maye said of the scoring pass. “And they both went to [Stefon] Diggs. Nice play. He’s made a lot of those catches in his career, and made a big-time catching chance at the end.”
Then, with 49 seconds remaining in the first half, Maye lofted a beautiful deep pass in front of Kayshon Boutte for a 39-yard touchdown play — his third-longest TD throw and one that traveled 52.6 yards in the air, according to Next Gen Stats.
“Kind of the same thing as last week in New Orleans,” Maye said of the aggressive two-minute drive. “Really, on [the] two-minute [drill], just try to go get points, and if something’s there, take a shot deep. And we’ve been glad we came out with seven and were able to double dip coming out of halftime.”
On the Patriots’ opening drive of the second half, Maye again connected with Hollins, this time for 27 yards, the second-longest Patriots play for the game. In addition to Hollins’ two catches (on two targets) for 49 yards, he had one carry for four yards.
But that series took a scary turn when Maye hit the back of his head on the turf after a scramble. Maye entered the medical tent but returned a few plays later.
“Just got to get down,” said Maye, who said he was fine. “Just landed awkward, and felt all right.”
Coach Mike Vrabel praised his young quarterback’s poise and skill.
“I think there’s an athleticism to him that’s really, really cool,” Vrabel said. “I think he’s really accurate from all different spots, whether it’s in a pocket, off platform. He’s really done a nice job so far, spreading the football around. But there’s an accuracy to him that’s been really good for us.”
That accuracy has put Maye in elite company. Vrabel made clear it’s not by accident.
“There’s a lot of demand there from [offensive coordinator] Josh [McDaniels] and myself, and I think he’s responded to that,” Vrabel said. “He’s had to show leadership in this offense, and he kept talking about how he wants to earn it. I mean, I’ve told him that he’s earned it.”
Maye, for his part, credited the offense’s growing chemistry and balance.
“I think we’re learning each other, learning the offense together, and I think more and more comfortable every week,” he said. “And I guess the big thing with Coach — he’s calling great games. Those five guys in front of the ball? Man, those guys are warriors. Those are the heartbeat of this team.”
His humility stood out even in the face of record-breaking efficiency. Asked about setting the single-game completion percentage record, Maye, who ran for 62 yards on eight carries just smiled.
“I left some out there [on plays] that end up running, that I could have thrown,” Maye said. “I think I’ve tucked it a couple of times when I shouldn’t have, and I think you get the backside of progression more. But I think I’m trying to be careful with the football and trying to challenge it down the field and not just be a check-down Charlie.”
Maye also reflected on his growth — and on the team’s transformation since losing two of its first three games.
“I think we’re growing as an organization,” he said. “With Coach Vrabel and his staff, I think we’re just trying to buy into each other and build an identity. I’m trying to be the same player every week.”
As for Vrabel, Maye didn’t hold back his admiration.
“Yeah, he’s the man,” Maye said. “He brings it every day. He challenges us, but he also cares about us and cares about us outside the building. And I think, yeah, he’s just awesome to play for.”
Titans linebacker Cedric Gray had another outstanding game with seven tackles, three assists and one tackle for a loss in their loss to New England.
| Week | C–A–TDs–I– Yards | C% | QB rating | Rushes– Yards–TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30–46–1–1–287 | 65.2 | 80.6 | 4–11–0 |
| 2 | 19–23–2–0–230 | 82.6 | 137.3 | 10–31–1 |
| 3 | 28–37–2–1–268 | 75.7 | 102.1 | 7–45–0 |
| 4 | 14–17–2–0–203 | 82.4 | 155.6 | 3–11–1 |
| 5 | 22–30–0–0–273 | 73.3 | 101.1 | 3–12–0 |
| 6 | 18–26–3–0–261 | 69.2 | 140.1 | 9–28–0 |
| 7 | 21–23–2–0–222 | 91.3 | 135.9 | 8–62–0 |
| 8 | 18–24–3–1–282 | 75.0 | 135.8 | 7–50–0 |
| 9 | 19–29–2–1–259 | 65.5 | 102.5 | 8–20–0 |
| 10 | 16–31–2–1–270 | 51.6 | 84.4 | 7–13–0 |
| 11 | 25–34–1–0–281 | 73.5 | 107.6 | 4–2–0 |
| 12 | 22–35–1–1–294 | 62.8 | 87.1 | 5–22–0 |
| 13 | 24–31–2–1–282 | 77.4 | 126.0 | 6–12–0 |
| 14 | 14–23–0–1–155 | 60.8 | 62.87 | 4–43–2 |
| 15 | 31–44–2–1–380 | 70.5 | 102.5 | 10–25–0 |
| 16 | 19–21–4–0–256 | 90.5 | 157.0 | 3–22–0 |
| Totals | 340–474– 30–8–4, 4,203 | 71.7 | 112.9 | 95–387–4 |
Week 1: 20–13 loss to L.A. Raiders; Week 2: 33–27 win at Miami; Week 3: 21–14 loss to Pittsburgh; Week 4: 42–13 win over Carolina; Week 5: 23–20 win at Buffalo: Week 6: 26–19 win at New Orleans: Week 7: 31–13 win at Tennessee; Week 8: 32–13 win vs. Cleveland; Week 9: 24–23 win vs. Atlanta; Week 10: 28–23 win at Tampa Bay; Week 11: 27–14 win vs. New York Jets: Week 12: 26–20 win at Cincinnati; Week 13: 33–15 win vs. New York Giants; Week 14: 35–31 loss vs. Buffalo; Week 15: 28–24 win at Baltimore; Week 16: 42–10 win at New York Jets.
Javonte Williams had another big game, running for 116 yards and a touchdown in the Dallas Cowboys’ 44–22 home win over the Washington Commanders. He scored the first Dallas touchdown on a 2-yard run less than two minutes into the game.
It was Williams’ second 100-yard rushing game in three weeks after running for 135 in a Week 5 victory over the New York Jets.
Jacksonville wide receiver Dyami Brown had two catches for 50 yards, including a 39-yard reception in the Jaguars’ 35–7 loss in London to the Los Angeles Rams.
He rolled awkwardly with his right leg underneath him and was slow to get up after that catch. He headed to the injury tent but returned to the game. Brown also returned two kickoffs for 60 total yards, including a 31-yard return.
Tampa Bay’s Charlie Heck started at right tackle and made a key block on the Bucs’ only touchdown in their 24–9 Monday night loss at Detroit.
Heck, No. 77, bowled over a defender with an outstanding block after quarterback Baker Mayfield completed a pass to Tez Johnson, giving a big assist in the 22-yard scoring play in the third quarter.
Elsewhere for Tar Heels in the NFL:
— Pittsburgh linebacker Cole Holcomb started and had four tackles and three assists Thursday in the Steelers’ 19–17 loss at Cincinnati.
— Atlanta cornerback Mike Hughes started, had three tackles, two assists and defended a pass in the Falcons’ 20–10 Sunday night loss at San Francisco.
— With Zovonan Knight back in the Arizona lineup, running back Michael Carter came off the bench after starting the previous two games. Carter had 7 carries for 11 yards and two catches for 25 yards.
— Houston safety M.J. Stewart had one tackle, 2 assists, forced a fumble and recorded three special-teams tackles.
— Houston running back British Brooks played two offensive snaps and 20 special-teams snaps in his second game of the season.
— Seattle’s Chazz Surratt had two tackles on kickoff coverage, playing 21 special-teams snaps.
— New Orleans offensive lineman Asim Richards played off three special-teams snaps.
— Indianapolis wide receiver Josh Downs (concussion) and Miami cornerback Storm Duck (left ankle injury), who hasn’t played since Week 1, were inactive.
— Philadelphia quarterback Sam Howell didn’t play and still hasn’t made his season debut.
— Mitch Trubisky’s Buffalo Bills and Tez Walker’s Baltimore Ravens had open dates this weekend.
British Brooks, Houston Texans running back
Age 25 | 5–11, 225 | second NFL season | UNC 2018–23
Roster situation — Fifth-string running back
Season statistics — 2 game, 2 carries, 15 yards (9 longest); 1 tackle on kickoff coverage
Week 7: Seahawks 27, Texans 19 — 2 offensive snaps (3%), 20 special-teams snaps (67%)
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. San Francisco, Fox
Dyami Brown, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Age 25 | 6–0, 195 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Starting wide receiver
Season statistics — 7 games, 6 starts, 18 catches, 183 yards (39 longest), 10.1 average, 1 TD; 4 carries, 22 yards (9 longest); 2 kickoff returns, 60 yards (31 longest)
Week 7: Rams 35, Jaguars 7 — Didn’t start; 2 catches on 4 targets, 50 yards (39 longest); 2 kickoff returns, 60 yards (31 longest); 7.0 fantasy points; 23 offensive snaps (30%), 6 special-teams snaps (24%)
Week 8 — Open date; next game at 4:05 Sunday, Nov. 2, at Las Vegas, Fox
Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals running back
Age 26 | 5–8, 201 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Fourth-string running back
Season statistics — 4 games, 2 starts, 34 carries, 97 yards (11 longest), 1 touchdown; 9 catches on 12 targets, 77 yards (16 longest)
Week 7: Packers 27, Cardinals 23 — Didn’t start; 7 carries, 11 yards (5 longest); 2 catches on 2 targets, 25 yards (14 longest); 28 offensive snaps (37%)
Week 8 — Open date; next game at 8:15 Monday, Nov. 3, at Dallas, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Age 23 | 5–9, 171 | third NFL season | UNC 2020–22
Roster situation — Starting slot wide receiver
Season statistics — 6 games, 4 starts, 26 catches, 217 yards (29 longest), 1 touchdown
Week 7: Colts 38, Chargers 24 — Inactive because of a concussion
Week 8 — 4:25 Sunday vs. Tennessee, CBS
Storm Duck, Miami Dolphins cornerback
Age 24 | 6–0, 195 | second NFL season | UNC 2019–22
Roster situation — Starting right cornerback
Season statistics — 1 game, 1 start, 1 tackle, 1 assist, 1 pass defended
Week 7: Browns 31, Dolphins 6 — Inactive (left ankle injury); hasn’t played since Week 1
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Atlanta, CBS
Cedric Gray, Tennessee Titans linebacker
Age 22 | 6–2, 234 | second NFL season | UNC 2020–23
Roster situation — Starting left inside linebacker
Season statistics — 7 games, 7 starts, 37 tackles, 31 assists, 3 tackles for losses, 2 passes defended, 1 quarterback pressure, 2 special-teams tackles
Week 7: Patriots 31, Titans 13 — Started; 7 tackles, 3 assists, 1 tackle for a loss; 63 defensive snaps (97%), 5 special-teams snaps (20%)
Week 8 — 4:25 Sunday at Indianapolis, CBS
Charlie Heck, Tampa Bay Bucs offensive lineman
Age 28 | 6–8, 311 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2015–19
Roster situation — Starting right tackle
Season statistics — 6 games, 1 tackle; 623 offensive snaps, 32 special-teams snaps entering Week 7
Week 7: Lions 24, Bucs 7 — Started; made key block on Tampa Bay’s only touchdown
Week 8 — 4:05 Sunday at New Orleans, Fox
Cole Holcomb, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker
Age 28 | 6–1, 240 | seventh NFL season | UNC 2015–18
Roster situation — Second-string right inside linebacker
Season statistics — 6 games, 3 starts, 13 tackles, 5 assists, 1 forced fumble, 2 special-teams tackles, 1 special-teams assist
Week 7: Bengals 19, Steelers 17 — Started; 4 tackles, 3 assists
Week 8 — 8:30 Sunday vs. Green Bay, NBC
Mack Hollins, New England Patriots wide receiver
Age 31 | 6–4, 221 | ninth NFL season | UNC 2013–16
Roster situation — Starting wide receiver
Season statistics — 7 games, 5 starts, 9 catches, 119 yards (27 longest), 2 touchdowns; 1 carry, 4 yards
Week 7: Patriots 31, Titans 13 — Started; 2 catches on 2 targets, 49 yards (27 longest); 1 carry, 4 yards; 7.3 fantasy points; 43 offensive snaps (66%), 4 special-teams snaps (16%)
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Cleveland, Fox
Sam Howell, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback
Age 24 | 6–1, 225 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2019–21
Roster situation — Third-string quarterback
2024 season statistics (Seattle Seahawks); hasn’t played this season — 2 games, 5 of 14, 24 yards, 1 interception, 14.6 passer rating; 1 carry, 2 yards
Week 7: Eagles 28, Vikings 22 — Didn’t play
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. New York Giants, Fox
Mike Hughes, Atlanta Falcons cornerback
Age 28 | 5–10, 191 | eighth NFL season | UNC 2015
Roster situation — Starting right cornerback
Season statistics — 5 games, 5 starts, 7 tackles, 4 assists, 2 passes defended
Week 7: 49ers 20, Falcons 10 — Started; 3 tackles, 2 assists, 1 pass defended; 67 defensive snaps (100%)
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Miami, CBS
Drake Maye, New England Patriots quarterback
Age 22 | 6–4, 225 | second NFL season | UNC 2021–23
Roster situation —-Starting QB ahead of Joshua Dobbs
Season statistics — 7 games, 7 starts, 152 of 202, 1,744 yards (8.6 average), 75.2% ,12 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 22 sacks (77 yards in losses); 44 carries, 200 yards (20 longest), 2 touchdowns; 1 two-point conversion run; 4 fumbles (1 lost)
Week 7: Patriots 31, Titans 13 — Started; 21 of 23, 222 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, 135.9 passer rating, 4 sacks, 22 yards in losses; 8 carries, 62 yards (39 longest), 7.8 average; 23.08 fantasy points; 55 offensive snaps (88%)
Scoring plays:
— 3-yard touchdown pass to Austin Hooper, 5:34 left in second quarter
— 39-yard deep middle touchdown pass to Kayshon Boutte, 49 seconds left in second quarter
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Cleveland, Fox
Asim Richards, New Orleans Saints offensive lineman
Age 24 | 6–4, 307 | third NFL season | UNC 2019–22
Roster situation — Second-string left tackle
Season statistics — 8 games, 105 offensive snaps, 27 special-teams snaps
Week 7: Bears 26, Saints 14 — Played 3 special-teams snaps (12%)
Week 8 — 4:05 Sunday vs. Tampa Bay, Fox
M.J. Stewart, Houston Texans safety
Age 29 | 5–11, 205 | eighth NFL season | UNC 2014–17
Roster situation — Second-string free safety
Season statistics — 6 games, 1 start, 5 tackles, 5 assist, 1 pass defended, 1 forced fumble, 5 special-teams tackles, 2 special-teams assists
Week 7: Seahawks 27, Texans 19 — 1 tackle, 2 assists, 1 forced fumble, 3 special-teams tackles; 42 defensive snaps (58%), 6 special-teams snaps
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. San Francisco, Fox
Chazz Surratt, Seattle Seahawks linebacker
Age 28 | 6–2, 233 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Second-team middle linebacker
Season statistics — 7 games, 1 tackle, 3 special-teams tackles, 5 special-teams assists
Week 7: Seahawks 27, Texans 19 — 2 tackles on kickoff coverage; 21 special-teams snaps (70%)
Week 8 — Open date; next game 8:20 Sunday, Nov. 2, at Washington, NBC
Mitch Trubisky, Buffalo Bills quarterback
Age 30 | 6–3, 222 | ninth NFL season | UNC 2014–16
Roster situation — Second-string QB behind Josh Allen
Season statistics — 1 game, 1 of 2, 32 yards; 3 carries, -3 yards (3 kneel-downs)
Week 7 — Open date
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Carolina, Fox
Tez Walker, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Age 24 | 6–1, 198 | second NFL season | UNC 2023
Roster situation — Third-string wide receiver
Season statistics — 5 games, 1 start, 3 catches, 60 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 special-teams assist
Week 7 — Open date
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Chicago, CBS
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys running back
Age 25 | 5–10, 220 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Starting running back ahead of Miles Sanders
Season statistics — 7 games, 7 starts, 111 carries, 592 yards (66 longest), 6 touchdowns; 11 catches, 85 yards (11 longest), 1 touchdown
Week 7: Cowboys 44, Commanders 22 — Started; 19 carries, 116 yards (33 longest), 1 touchdown; 1 catch on 4 targets, 2 yards; tackled in end zone for Washington safety; 11.5 fantasy points; 46 offensive snaps (69%)
Scoring play:
— 2-yard run, 13:05 left in the first quarter
Week 8 — 4:25 Sunday at Denver, CBS
On injured reserve
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton, ankle injury
Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler, knee injury
New York Giants offensive lineman Joshua Ezudu (IR with designation to return), undisclosed injury
Philadelphia Eagles center Willie Lampkin, leg injury (Rams released him in camp)
On practice squads
Baltimore linebacker Kaimon Rucker
Minnesota tight end Bryson Nesbit
On reserve/non-football injury list
Houston cornerback Alijah Huzzie
Waived from practice squads
Linebacker Power Echols by Chicago
Linebacker Tomon Fox by the New York Giants
Defensive tackle Jahvaree Ritzie by New England
Released during training camp
Linebacker Eugene Asanti by Miami
Tight end John Copenhaver by Jacksonville
Linebacker Desmond Evans by Tennessee
Wide receiver Nate McCollum by Arizona
Defensive back Kyler McMichael by Pittsburgh
Photos via @Patriots
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