feature-image

USA Today via Reuters

feature-image

USA Today via Reuters

Essentials Inside The Story

  • During the Patriots' 28–24 Week 16 win, a pass interference on WR Kayshon Boutte went unpenalized
  • Head coach Mike Vrabel was visibly annoyed by the pass interference incident
  • Drake Maye is reportedly "unimpressed" by his Pro Bowl selection

A single no-call nearly derailed Drake Maye’s fourth-quarter comeback against the Ravens, and the Patriots‘ QB is already tired of it. The QB may have added a fourth-quarter comeback victory to his resume, but there is no thanking the referees for that. Perhaps that’s why Drake Maye already wants to switch to his darker side. 

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

“I think there’s come a time down the road I can see myself kind of switching the switch and flipping the page to a little darker side with some refs,” Maye said on WEEI Afternoons. “It was pretty close last night. But I just try to move on to the next play because there’s nothing we can do about it after it happens.”

Watch What’s Trending Now!

ADVERTISEMENT

The 23-year-old was referring to the Patriots’ Week 16 game against the Baltimore Ravens. In the fourth quarter, the QB made a deep pass to wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, who ended up being tackled to the ground by Baltimore’s CB Marlon Humphrey. As Boutte failed to catch the ball with Humphrey’s hands grabbing his waist, the pass became incomplete. It was a clear pass interference. Yet, the referees took no action. 

Tony Paulines

Tony's Top Prospects For QB For RAVENS

Maye clarified that ‘darker side’ doesn’t mean becoming hostile with the refs, but rather compelling them to do their job “at the high level.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Head coach Mike Vrabel also addressed the controversy, albeit sternly, during the post-game press conference. He was asked whether he received any explanation from the officials for not calling the pass interference on Humphrey. 

ADVERTISEMENT

“No. Here’s the explanation that I got, ‘You have to survive the ground,’” said Vrabel. “I said, ‘I’m very aware of the catch rule.’ But that’s all I got. 

 As disputable as the refs’ decision may be, the Patriots pulled through in the game. Maye connected with Stefon Diggs for a 21-yard score on fourth-and-2, followed by Rhamondre Stevenson’s 21-yard rushing TD, which brought the team a well-deserved 28-24 win. This Week 16 win confirmed the Patriots’ playoff berth, and as a bonus Christmas present, Maye was selected for his first Pro Bowl. Unfortunately, he wasn’t too impressed. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Drake Maye downplays his Pro Bowl selection

The second-year quarterback seems to be enjoying his breakout season with second-best MVP Odds, playoff berth, and now, a Pro Bowl selection. Though the quarterback himself didn’t address the feat, his teammate, Andrew Callahan, shared the QB’s mindset about the AFC Pro Bowl selection. 

article-image

Imago

“He doesn’t really care about the accolades. He truly doesn’t. It’s not just a schtick,” Callahan told the Boston Herald

ADVERTISEMENT

Reportedly, the young quarterback was also upset with the limited selection of players in the Pro Bowl. From the New England Patriots, only cornerback Christian Gonzalez got the Pro Bowl accolade besides Maye. Though all his teammates celebrated his selection, Maye felt more players deserved it.

ADVERTISEMENT

Nonetheless, the Patriots are focused on the game, especially now that they are chasing the top seed in the conference, competing with the Denver Broncos, standing at 12-3. 

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Pratyusha Srivastava

298 Articles

Pratyusha Srivastava is an MLB Editor at EssentiallySports, with a five-year background in professional journalism. Before her current role, she built an extensive portfolio across sports like the NBA, and the NFL, bringing expertise in American sports. At EssentiallySports, she is recognized for her score understanding, particularly in her coverage of major MLB events like Opening Day and historical rivalries such as the Yankees-Red Sox. Her journey in content creation has been diverse, spanning various industries from business to sports and entertainment. This varied experience has equipped her with a strong foundation in research, reporting, and writing across different genres. Outside of her work, Pratyusha is an fiction reader and a passionate music enthusiast.

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Antra Koul

ADVERTISEMENT