Allen praises Maye as Patriots prepare for chaotic Bills defense

Key points

• Josh Allen stated that Drake Maye is 'smart' and 'extremely talented,' asserting that Maye will 'figure it out' despite his current struggles.
• Drake Maye has thrown six interceptions and completed 51 of 80 passes in his first three games of the 2026 season.
• The Buffalo Bills are undefeated (3-0), while the New England Patriots are 1-2 and facing questions about their offensive line depth and quarterback confidence.
• Patriots defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr described defending Josh Allen's 'second play' (scrambles) as the most difficult aspect of football, noting Allen's high EPA on extended plays.
• The game is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, New York.

Background

The Patriots have faced significant scrutiny regarding Maye's performance, with earlier reports highlighting a 40% drop-back success rate and negative EPA in six consecutive outings. The team is also dealing with offensive line injuries, including the placement of Greg Van Roten on injured reserve. Previous coverage noted that the Bills have transformed into a run-heavy powerhouse under head coach Joe Brady, while the Patriots struggle with turnovers and inconsistent play.

How outlets are covering it

NESN focuses on the interpersonal dynamic, highlighting Josh Allen's public support for Maye and the respect he commands despite his poor statistics. The Boston Herald emphasizes the tactical challenge, detailing how the Patriots are using backup quarterbacks to simulate Allen's chaotic, rule-breaking play style in practice. The Buffalo Bills' official site provides logistical details, confirming the game time and noting the Bills' defensive dominance, including Greg Rousseau's recent accolades. While NESN and the Boston Herald both acknowledge Maye's struggles, NESN frames it as a temporary blip that Allen expects to correct, whereas the Boston Herald focuses on the defensive preparation required to counter Allen's unique physical and mental approach.

Why it matters

This matchup serves as a critical test for the Patriots' season, as a loss could further jeopardize their playoff hopes. The contrast between Allen's elite, unpredictable play and Maye's current struggles highlights the gap between the two AFC East teams. The Patriots' ability to defend Allen's 'second play' will determine if they can compete, while Maye's performance will indicate whether he can recover from a disastrous start to the season.

What to watch

The game is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET. The Patriots will look to limit turnovers and defend the run, while the Bills aim to extend their winning streak. Maye's performance will be closely watched to see if he can overcome his early-season struggles and regain his confidence.