NFL To Announce Punishment Decision After Drake Maye Incident

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NFL To Announce Punishment Decision After Drake Maye Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 20, 2026 7:01 AM ET

New York Jets linebacker David Bailey committed a controversial foul on New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye in Week 6.

The Patriots notched their third straight win on Sunday, defeating the Jets 26-19 in front of the New England faithful at Gillette Stadium.

Maye led the offense, completing 18 of 32 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.

But the two-time Pro Bowler drew a roughing-the-passer penalty from Bailey late in the second quarter.

Maye completed an 11-yard pass to wide receiver DeMario Douglas with just 35 seconds remaining in the quarter before Bailey came in with a late tackle. The Jets rookie’s knee appeared to make contact with Maye’s helmet while the Patriots QB was on the ground.

Officials immediately flagged the play and assessed a 10-yard penalty, moving the ball to the Jets’ 9-yard line and giving the Patriots a fresh set of downs.

Maye later found Douglas for a nine-yard touchdown with 14 seconds remaining, helping New England take a 17-3 halftime lead.

TRENDING: #Patriots fans are calling for #Jets rookie pass rusher David Bailey to be SUSPENDED after another controversial hit on QB Drake Maye.

Bailey has been involved in multiple questionable hits on New England players throughout today’s game.

Yikes: pic.twitter.com/FBC3NcUGqL
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) October 18, 2026

According to Rule 12, Section 2, Article 11 of the 2026 NFL rulebook, roughing a passer is defined as “any physical acts against a player who is in a passing posture (i.e. before, during, or after attempting a pass) which, in the game official’s judgment, are unwarranted by the circumstances of the play.”

Bailey is facing a possible $17,911 fine for a roughing-the-passer penalty under the 2026 fines schedule.

Bailey, who finished with five combined tackles and two forced fumbles, now awaits the NFL’s punishment decision on his foul. Any fine would typically be published in the NFL’s weekly accountability report on Saturday.

Bailey and Co. will welcome the Miami Dolphins on Sunday for a Week 7 matchup. Meanwhile, Maye and the Patriots face the Chicago Bears on Thursday night.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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