Maye Leads Patriots to Victory Over Saints with Three Touchdowns

Drake Maye showcased his skills by throwing three touchdowns, leading the New England Patriots to a 25-19 victory against the New Orleans Saints on October 15, 2023. Maye completed 18 of 26 passes for 261 yards without a turnover, securing the Patriots’ third consecutive win and improving their record to 4-2. Two of Maye’s touchdowns were caught by Kayshon Boutte, a Louisiana native and former LSU star, who finished with five receptions for 93 yards.

The Saints struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, falling to a disappointing 1-5 record. In a critical moment during the fourth quarter, the Saints were driving for a potential go-ahead score when tight end Juwan Johnson was ruled to have fumbled the ball after a video review. Linebacker Christian Ellis was credited with forcing the fumble, which was recovered by safety Craig Woodson on the New England 49-yard line. Although the Patriots could not convert the turnover into points, they forced a punt with 3:55 remaining.

With just over two minutes left in the game, Maye made a crucial third-and-11 pass to Boutte along the left sideline for a 21-yard gain, effectively sealing the victory. The Saints had already exhausted their timeouts, allowing Maye to run out the clock by taking a knee three times as fans began to exit the Superdome.

Spencer Rattler, quarterback for the Saints, completed 20 of 26 passes for 227 yards and did not turn the ball over. However, the Saints struggled to find the end zone, with Taysom Hill scoring their only touchdown on a 1-yard run. Kicker Blake Grupe contributed four field goals to the Saints’ total.

Saints receivers faced challenges throughout the game. Chris Olave recorded six receptions for 98 yards but dropped a potential touchdown pass in the end zone while attempting to secure the ball. He also missed another crucial catch that could have led to a first down on New Orleans’ last possession.

The Patriots’ defense effectively limited the Saints’ ground game, holding them to just 73 rushing yards. Maye’s performance began with a strong opening drive, converting a third-and-9 with a pass to Boutte before connecting with DeMario Douglas for a 53-yard touchdown. A 61-yard touchdown pass to Douglas was nullified due to a controversial offensive pass interference call against Stefon Diggs.

Undeterred, Maye continued to make plays, including a 25-yard touchdown throw to Boutte, who made a back-shoulder catch in tight coverage. The back-and-forth scoring included field goals from Grupe and Hill’s short touchdown run, which temporarily gave the Saints a 16-14 lead before Boutte’s 29-yard touchdown reception restored the Patriots’ advantage at 22-16 just before halftime.

In terms of injuries, the Patriots saw outside linebacker Harold Landry and cornerback Carlton Davis receive treatment on the field but both returned to action. Cornerback Marcus Jones also required attention during the second half. For the Saints, left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. appeared to sustain a right leg injury, while Isaiah Stalbird also received treatment but returned to the game.

Looking ahead, the Patriots will visit Tennessee next Sunday, while the Saints will travel to Chicago for their next match. This victory highlights the Patriots’ growing momentum as they continue their season.