3 TD’s 20+ Yds
The New England Patriots lit up the Superdome on Sunday, coming out aggressive through the air and delivering 3 deep touchdown strikes in the first half that were all 20+ yards through the air. Drake Maye threw for 261 yards and 3 scores. The defense came up clutch late to preserve a 25-19 road win over the New Orleans Saints.
A Fast Start Through the Sky
New Orleans drew first blood with a deep shot over the top that set up an early field goal, but Maye and the Patriots answered immediately. After converting an early third-and-long to Kayshon Boutte, Maye launched a perfect 53-yard dime to DeMario Douglas for the game’s opening touchdown. The 2nd year quarterback matched the Saints’ big play with one of his own, giving New England a 7-3 lead.
Saints Settle for Threes, Pats Cash 7’s
Spencer Rattler kept the Saints offense moving with rhythm throws and RPOs, but the Patriots’ defense forced them to kick a second field goal to make it 7-6. Maye responded with another positive series, capped by a contested end-zone grab from Kayshon Boutte — a 25-yard missile that survived review and stretched the lead to 14-6. While the Saints kept marching into scoring range, New England’s defense tightened in the red zone, forcing three field goals in the first half alone.
Boutte Breaks Out
After a 1-yard Taysom Hill run pulled New Orleans within one, penalties and missed chances briefly stalled New England. But with less than two minutes left in the half, Maye went back to the air. Pop Douglas sparked the drive with a pair of quick catches, Hunter Henry converted on third down, and Stefon Diggs moved the chains again before Maye fired his 3rd touchdown of the day — another downfield strike to Boutte for 28 yards. A successful two-point sneak made it 22-16 heading into the break.
Methodical Third Quarter
The Patriots opened the second half with a grinding, 12-play march that burned over half the quarter. Maye picked up key conversions with both his legs and arm, finding Diggs and Henry to keep the drive alive. The series stalled inside the red zone, but a short field goal pushed the cushion to 25-19 — all the points New England would ultimately need.
Defense Finally Forces Punts
After an entire half without a single punt, the Patriots defense finally forced one late in the third quarter when Charles Woods broke up a deep shot to Chris Olave. Both teams traded three-and-outs before New Orleans settled for yet another field goal to trim the deficit. It was clear by then that the Saints’ inability to finish drives was going to cost them.
A Messy Stretch — Then a Big Stop
New England looked ready to slam the door, but a series of penalties derailed a promising drive — including an offensive pass interference call on Stefon Diggs that erased a would be 50+ yard completion to him. The call was extremely questionable. The following play – Maye attempted another bomb to Mack Hollins – who was clearly interfered with.. but no call was made.
Christian Elliss then gave the Pats a spark by punching out a fumble that Craig Woodson recovered, but the offense again failed to capitalize, punting it right back. That left the defense to protect a six-point margin with under five minutes left.
Closing Time: Maye to Boutte
When the Saints offense got the ball again, they managed just one first down before being forced to punt. With 3:43 remaining, it was up to Maye to ice it. Facing third-and-11, he fired a perfect back-shoulder throw to Boutte for a sideline grab that sealed the game — the ex-LSU receiver’s fifth catch and the signature play of his breakout performance (5 receptions, 93 yards, 2 TDs).
Mike Vrabel also made an amazing call to challenge the play – saying that Bouttle went down in bounds – therefore the clock should run. And it did – which brought us to the 2 minute warning – leaving the Saints with no timeouts remaining. The Patriots were able to kneeldown and run out the clock. If he hadn’t challenged – the Saints would’ve been able to potentially get the ball back if their defense made the stops – with a little bit of time left.
Patriots Improve to 4-2
New England has now won three road games this season – as well as 3 straight games, moving to 4-2 on the season and already matching their win totals from each of the last two years. Maye continues to show poise and command, and the passing attack — featuring Boutte, Diggs and the rest of the room — is hitting its stride. The run game remains a work in progress, but Josh McDaniels’ offense is finding its rhythm, while the defense is generating timely turnovers when needed – although interceptions have been hard to come by.
Next up: the Patriots stay on the road for Week 7, heading to Nashville to battle the Tennessee Titans next Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
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