Drake Maye strengthens MVP case, Patriots perfect on road after 42-10 rout of Jets
Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium was less of a competitive football game and more of a statement of intent. The New England Patriots did not just beat the New York Jets; they dismantled them with a clinical precision that suggests this team is peaking at the exact right moment.
The final score read 42-10, but even that lopsided number fails to capture the gap between these two franchises. New England moved to 12-3 on the season and, perhaps more impressively, secured a perfect 8-0 record on the road. For a team eyeing a deep January run, that ability to dominate away from Gillette Stadium is the ultimate currency.
While the box score will show a rout, the implications of this game extend far beyond a Week 17 win. From MVP campaigns to playoff seeding and financial bonuses, here are the major takeaways from New England’s demolition of New York.
Drake Maye has officially entered the MVP conversation
If there were any lingering doubts about Drake Maye’s standing among the league’s elite, Sunday erased them. The second-year quarterback played a nearly flawless game, completing 19 of 21 passes for 256 yards and five touchdowns. He was so efficient that he was able to take a seat on the bench with 20 minutes remaining in the contest, watching the backups finish what he started.
This was not simply a case of a quarterback taking advantage of a 3-13 team. It was a masterclass in decision-making and execution. Maye led the Patriots to touchdowns on their first six possessions, a level of offensive efficiency that is rarely seen in the NFL, regardless of the opponent.
His connection with the offense looked telepathic. whether he was threading the needle to veterans or finding rookies in the end zone, Maye looked like a quarterback operating at the peak of his powers. With the playoffs approaching, having a signal-caller playing this type of football makes New England a terrifying matchup for anyone in the AFC.
The Road Warrior mentality is real
Head coach Mike Vrabel has instilled a toughness in this team that is reminiscent of his playing days, and nowhere is that more evident than in their road record. Finishing the regular season 8-0 away from home is a rare feat in the NFL. It speaks to a team that is disciplined, focused, and unbothered by hostile environments.
Vrabel acknowledged the significance of the achievement after the game, noting that being undefeated on the road is “unique” and “special.” In the postseason, home-field advantage is coveted, but the ability to travel and win is essential. The Patriots have proven they can win in any stadium, on any surface, in any weather.
If New England fails to secure the No. 1 seed, they will likely have to go on the road at some point to reach the Super Bowl. Sunday proved that the prospect of a road playoff game should not intimidate this group in the slightest.
The offense is clicking from top to bottom
One of the most encouraging signs for New England was the diversity of their attack. It wasn’t just the stars shining; it was the entire roster contributing. With key players like Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins out due to injury, the “next man up” mentality was in full effect.
Rookie Efton Chism III secured his first career catch and first career touchdown, a moment of pure joy for the bench. Meanwhile, Kyle Williams saw increased opportunities to work into the offensive rotation. This depth is vital. attrition is a reality of late-season football, and seeing role players step up and execute high-level concepts is a testament to the coaching staff, particularly offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
Speaking of McDaniels, the play-calling was inspired. The touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs was a direct callback to a two-point conversion design used in Super Bowl LI, proving that this staff knows exactly how to leverage their history and playbook to keep defenses off balance.
Financial milestones highlight team chemistry
There was a palpable sense of camaraderie on the New England sideline, and some of that joy was tied to individual achievements. Late in the season, contract incentives become a subplot, and the Patriots made sure their teammates got paid.
Stefon Diggs unlocked a $500,000 bonus with his touchdown catch, bringing his season total to 82 receptions and 970 yards. Hunter Henry also cashed in a $250,000 bonus by reaching 55 catches on the season, while tackle Morgan Moses secured a $1.5 million payday based on his snap count percentage.
Seeing a team celebrate these financial milestones together is often an underrated indicator of locker room health. These players are rooting for one another, and that unity translates to performance on the field. Diggs has a chance to earn even more next week against Miami, and you can bet his quarterback will be looking his way.
The path to the No. 1 seed is clear
Despite the blowout win, the Patriots still have work to do. The victory kept them in the hunt for the AFC’s top seed and the coveted first-round bye. The math is relatively simple for New England fans to follow.
To grab the No. 1 seed, the Patriots need to beat the Miami Dolphins in Week 18. However, they also need help. They require the Los Angeles Chargers to defeat the Denver Broncos. If those two things happen, the road to the Super Bowl goes through Foxborough.
Regarding the division, the Patriots are in the driver’s seat. A win against Miami next week secures the AFC East title, regardless of what the Buffalo Bills do. If the Bills lose to the Eagles in the late Sunday window of Week 17, the division is wrapped up before the Patriots even take the field again. However, Vrabel and his squad will likely approach the Miami game with a “must-win” mentality regardless of the standings, simply to maintain their momentum.
The Jets are a franchise in disarray
It is impossible to discuss this game without noting the state of the New York Jets. Dropping to 3-13, the Jets looked like a team that had given up. The disparity in coaching and preparation was stark.
The low point for New York came in the second half when they attempted back-to-back fake punts on the same possession. The desperation of those calls, combined with their dismal execution, perfectly encapsulated a lost season. While running back Breece Hall managed to cross the 1,000-yard mark for the season—a bright spot in a dark year—he was essentially a one-man show.
For New England, seeing a division rival in this state is a confidence booster. They didn’t play down to the level of their competition; they stepped on the gas and exposed every flaw the Jets had.
