JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, whose early-season struggles continued with two interceptions and a lost fumble in Sunday's 35-6 blowout loss to the Jaguars, called the offense's performance "unacceptable" as he looks within himself for answers.
"It's disappointing. The ball starts rolling that way, we can't get out of our own way, and I can't get out of my own way personally -- I have to look myself in the mirror and take this as a turning point," he said.
"It's Week 3, and at the same time we have to have some fuel and realize that what we're doing out there offensively it's unacceptable. It's been unacceptable for three weeks. I have to start with myself, lead these guys, and get back after it."
Last year's MVP runner-up, Maye finished 14-of-25 passing for 199 yards, with no touchdowns and an 11.9 Total QBR, the lowest by a Patriots starter since Bailey Zappe (1.9) in Week 18 of the 2023 season against the New York Jets.
His six interceptions overall are the most by a Patriots quarterback through three games of a season since Drew Bledsoe also had six in 1994.
"We haven't made good decisions with the football. We have to get it fixed," coach Mike Vrabel said after his team slipped to 1-2. "And everybody else has to do much better, starting with me."
In Sunday's loss, in which Maye was pressured on 11 dropbacks in the first half (his career high for a half, per ESPN Research), the turnover issues began late in the first quarter when the football slipped out of his hand while attempting a pass, and the Jaguars recovered. Maye said after the game that center Jared Wilson had been bleeding on his hand, which led to the fumble on his pass attempt to receiver Kyle Williams.
"At the same time, I have to hold on to the football," he said.
Then, in position to slice into the Jaguars' 14-3 lead late in the second quarter, Maye threw an ill-advised pass on third-and-goal from the 2 looking for receiver Efton Chism III along the end line that cornerback Travis Hunter picked off for his first career interception.
"Just forcing it," Maye said of an issue that began in the fourth quarter of the season-opening loss to the Seahawks when he threw three fourth-quarter interceptions.
Maye also fired a third-quarter pick on a comeback route to Williams that he said he shouldn't have attempted.
After the game, Maye was asked if the right shoulder injury that led to him taking a pain-killing injection before Super Bowl LX in February has lingered at all early this season.
"I like to say that when you have that much time off and you get to focus on getting back, you're going out there healthy," said Maye, who previously noted the injury didn't require surgery.
"You're going to get banged up every now and then, but at the same time, a lot of guys are banged up. I'm looking forward to getting back to playing winning football, that's the main thing. And knowing I play a big role in that and taking the bull by its horns ... I wouldn't say there is a problem with my shoulder."
The Patriots visit the AFC East-leading Bills (3-0) next Sunday.
"This is an opportunity to band together and realize that the best football we play is together, and realizing that starts with me protecting the football and protecting this team," Maye said. "That's my job and I've been failing to do that."