rookie mistake

Drake Maye wasn’t the only Patriot to make a costly rookie mistake in Nashville. With the team trailing 20-17 in overtime, Maye forced a deep pass into double coverage, aiming for Kayshon Boutte. The throw, slightly underpowered against the wind, was intercepted by Titans safety Amani Hooker, ending the game. Reflecting on the decision, Maye admitted, “Just a dumb decision. Something you’d like to have back, especially in that situation.”

But a larger question lingered—why were the Patriots facing the wind in such a critical moment? Despite winning the overtime coin toss, the coaching staff chose to kick into the wind, a perplexing decision that became apparent as the game slipped away. The oversight from Jerod Mayo and his team underscored a costly missed opportunity, one that left New England’s fans questioning the call.