Why Drake Maye was benched for Tommy DeVito in ugly Patriots game

After making it all the way to the Super Bowl last year, the New England Patriots have gotten off to a slow start in their first three games this year. That is especially the case for quarterback Drake Maye, who's performance this year looks nothing like that of 2025.

Maye had a brutal game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as the Patriots lost in Jacksonville 35-6 on Sunday afternoon. At the root of Maye's issues are turnovers, which once again were a problem against the Jaguars defense.

In fact, head coach Mike Vrabel decided to sit Maye before the game was over, going to Tommy DeVito to close out the contest. Here's what the Patriots' decision to bench Maye means for New England.

MORE: Drake Maye's turnover issues continue vs. Jaguars

Patriots bench Drake Maye

Maye had one of his worst performances of his career, producing three turnovers against the Jaguars. As a result, New England had issues scoring while Jacksonville was able to to find the endzone five times on the day.

Therefore, with the Patriots down 29 points mid-way through the fourth quarter, head coach Mike Vrabel benched Maye from the game. This was likely more because the game was out of reach, but it didn't help that Maye was struggling so much.

It's hard to imagine the Patriots benching Maye for more games beyond this won considering how good he was in the 2025 season. Still, New England needs to find out why Maye is struggling so much to begin this season before it gets too late.

Maye now has six interceptions and a lost fumble on the season while scoring just one touchdown, a passing score against the Pittsburgh steelers last week. Entering the season, he had 18 interceptions in 30 previous games, including just eigh during his MVP runner-up season last year.