FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Quarterback Drake Maye produced five total touchdowns Sunday as the New England Patriots dismantled the Las Vegas Raiders 45-17 at Gillette Stadium, pushing New England to a winning record for the first time this season.
Maye threw four touchdown passes and ran for another score while guiding an attack that piled up 536 total yards, according to game statistics reported by SB Nation and NESN. The third-year quarterback completed 26 of 34 passes for 374 yards without committing a turnover, bouncing back from early-season ball security troubles.
Maye orchestrates explosive offense
Entering Sunday with seven interceptions across his first three outings, Maye directed an aggressive game plan dialed up by offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Wide receiver DeMario Douglas hauled in four passes for 65 yards and two touchdowns, securing the first multi-score outing of his NFL career, Sports Illustrated reported.
“It was beautiful to be a part of today,” Maye said after the game, as reported by Sports Illustrated. “McDaniels was clicking on all cylinders, making us look good, and we were executing.”
The ground game also provided steady balance. Rhamondre Stevenson led New England rushers with 64 yards on 13 attempts, while Corey Kiner chipped in 52 yards on six carries. Kiner did commit New England’s lone turnover when a first-half fumble handed Las Vegas prime field position, Sports Illustrated noted.
Defense smothers Raiders ground attack
Defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr’s unit throttled Las Vegas throughout the afternoon, holding the Raiders to 306 total yards and an opponent season low in points, Patriots Wire reported. The Patriots completely eliminated the ground threat, restricting Las Vegas to 38 rushing yards on 18 carries. Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty managed just 27 yards on the ground to lead all Raiders rushers.
Kirk Cousins completed 19 of 28 throws for 243 yards and a touchdown before Las Vegas turned to rookie Fernando Mendoza in relief late in the contest. Tight end Brock Bowers remained productive with eight catches for 110 yards and a score, but cornerback Kindle Vildor stripped Bowers for a turnover. Vildor was thrust into extensive action after injuries sidelined cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Karon Prunty and Channing Canada, Sports Illustrated reported.
Edge rusher Elijah Ponder spearheaded the front-line pressure with two sacks, two tackles for loss and three hits on Cousins, bringing his team-leading sack total to 4.5 on the season.
Lomu steps up after Campbell injury
Despite the blowout victory, New England faced adversity along its offensive line when starting left tackle Will Campbell exited during the first half with a right knee injury. Rookie Caleb Lomu, chosen 28th overall in April, entered the lineup and yielded only one quarterback pressure over dozens of snaps, according to NESN and Sports Illustrated.
Head coach Mike Vrabel praised the front line’s composure under sudden strain, telling reporters after the game that Lomu and his teammates kept the pocket firm despite shifting personnel.
Campbell is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday to evaluate the severity of what is initially feared to be a knee sprain, NFL Network reported via NESN. The Patriots host the New York Jets on Sunday before facing the Chicago Bears on four days of rest, leaving Campbell’s short-term availability a critical question mark as New England prepares for the quick turnaround.
