The New England Patriots suffered a Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers after an afternoon filled with missed opportunities and self-inflicted wounds. New England turned the ball over five times, four of which were fumbles. In spite of that, they still had a chance to tie the game in the final minute. Unfortunately, another costly error shut the door on their comeback hopes.
The Patriots faced a 4th-and-1 in plus territory with roughly one minute to play. Drake Maye threw the ball to DeMario Douglas, who caught the pass, went backwards to avoid a tackle, and was tripped up before he could get back up field to get the first down. The Steelers got the ball back and knelt out the clock for the win.
Maye was asked about the failed fourth-down conversion after the game, to which he took full responsibility.
“I wish I would’ve told those guys, '4th-and-1, just try to catch it and get up field.'" Maye said. "I wish I would’ve told them that in the huddle. Those little things go a long way. Nothing Pop did wrong.”
This is the kind of leadership you can't teach, especially in a young quarterback. Maye says all the right things, and he continues to show both on and off the field that he is the guy going forward.
The Patriots will look to rebound next week when they take on the Carolina Panthers.
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