Drake Maye makes big admission after Patriots survive scare in win over Falcons

Second-year New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye didn't have his best outing of the season versus the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, but he did enough to guide his club to a gritty 24-23 win that improved it to 7-2 on the season. 

Following the victory, Maye spoke openly about the lesson he'll take from Week 9 regarding the rest of the campaign. 

Drake Maye vows to be better after win over Falcons

"First, I've got to play better for this team down the road," Maye acknowledged, per the Patriots' website. "I think it's tough, it's tough in a game where you win and you can feel in that locker room that these guys know we can play better. I think it's a good feeling to have, but also at the same time, it's tough to win in this league, so you've got to enjoy it. You've got to enjoy it." 

In total, Maye completed 19-of-29 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns against Atlanta. However, he also tossed an interception and lost one of the two fumbles he committed. One will never know what would have happened had the Falcons not missed an extra point after Drake London made a highlight-reel touchdown catch with 4:40 remaining in regulation. 

Drake Maye "trying to enjoy these wins" while being hard on himself

Throughout this past offseason, first-year Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel made it known he wanted Maye to grow and improve as a team leader. Part of that process has involved Maye praising others for the club's successes and accepting blame when things haven't gone New England's way during the campaign. 

That doesn't mean Maye took Sunday's result for granted. While speaking with reporters after the contest, he insisted he was "trying to enjoy these wins" despite his critical comments about his performance. 

"It's tough to win in this league," Maye added. "And from my short career in this league, I think you've just got to enjoy it when you get in the win column. Enjoy getting another chance next week to face a good team on the road. I think you just enjoy the wins and know deep down I'm frustrated and I want some plays back, but that's a good defense we faced, and those guys in that locker room are cool to be around and play with."

The Patriots will next play at a Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2) side that will be coming off its bye. As of Monday morning, ESPN BET had New England as a 2.5-point underdog for that Nov. 9 game. 

Also on Monday, DraftKings Sportsbook had Maye third among the betting favorites at +425 odds to claim the Most Valuable Player Award for the ongoing regular season. He will look to add to his MVP case when he attempts to outduel Baker Mayfield at Tampa Bay's Raymond James Stadium.