Stop us if you’ve heard this before: Drake Maye played like an MVP candidate in a blowout New England Patriots win.
The Patriots followed a familiar script Sunday at Gillette Stadium, routing the Cleveland Browns 32-13 behind Drake Maye’s three touchdown passes and 332 total yards (282 passing, 50 rushing).
The young QB did throw his first interception since Week 3, but it didn’t result in any points for Cleveland, which mustered just six points over the final three quarters after scoring on its opening drive.
There’s a whole lot to like about this Patriots team, which owns the AFC’s second-best record at 6-2. But as head coach Mike Vrabel pointed out in his postgame speech, there’s still room for improvement, which is an encouraging sign as his club aims to extend its win streak to six games next Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.
Patriots Insider Phil Perry highlighted the good and the bad from Sunday’s win in his “Stock Watch” report for Week 8:
Stock Up
Drake Maye, quarterback
Did he throw an ugly pick? Damn right he did. Happens. Even to the best in the league. The best bounce back with game-changing plays, though, and that’s exactly what Maye did.
There’s an easy argument to be made that Maye is the most valuable player in football right now. — Perry
TreVeyon Henderson, running back
Yes, he fumbled. But Henderson’s stock remains on the rise after playing just nine snaps against the Titans in Week 7.
He had 10 carries for 75 yards, and it looks like Josh McDaniels has found ways to design him some touches on the perimeter. — Perry
Robert Spillane, linebacker
Spillane was everywhere Sunday, stuffing Browns rushing attempts, thwarting trick-play tries, and making a pick that helped change the game. He finished with a team-leading 14 tackles.
“I think he’s got good instincts,” Vrabel said. “I think that he stays square on contact. I think he plays with his hands, doesn’t get tied up on too many blocks.” — Perry
Stock Down
Special teams
There were multiple penalties called on New England in this phase (though the facemask call on Brenden Schooler was a head-scratcher).
Bryce Baringer hit a 15-yard punt. They also missed a chance to recover an onside kick. Room for improvement here. — Perry
Will Campbell, offensive tackle
Campbell was on the scene for two of Myles Garrett’s five sacks, and he had help on both. Sometimes it seemed as if that help actually made things more challenging for Campbell, allowing Garrett more space to work his repertoire of moves.
In fairness, it was about what should’ve been expected from the rookie against one of the best players in football. — Perry
Christian Barmore, defensive tackle
Barmore was benched for the start of the game, and Mike Vrabel noted after the fact that it was a coaching decision that he needed to make in order to “protect the team.” Vrabel noted Monday morning that he’s moved on, so it sounds like it’s water under the bridge.
Moving forward, of course, the Patriots would like to have one of their best players available to them at all times. — Perry