Week 3 Takeaways: Maye's Struggles Mount for Patriots, Ravens Prove They Can Win Close Games

Three weeks into the season, several storylines are crystallizing. The New England Patriots' offensive woes, centered on rookie quarterback Drake Maye's performance, have become impossible to ignore. Meanwhile, Baltimore's ability to pull out tight contests suggests the Ravens may finally have the killer instinct required to win games that matter in January.

Maye arrived in New England with legitimate upside, but early returns have been underwhelming. Whether it's decision-making, protection issues, or overall system fit remains partly unclear, but the Patriots' inability to generate consistent offensive firepower puts pressure on the front office to evaluate whether their long-term direction is truly set. For a franchise rebuilding around a young quarterback, these early stumbles create urgency.

The Ravens' gritty victory in their most recent outing—described as a wild affair—hints at something different brewing in Baltimore. A team that has occasionally folded in high-pressure moments now appears to have found ways to execute when it counts. If this pattern holds, Baltimore becomes a far more dangerous playoff threat than their early-season record might suggest.

Washington's dominant win also turned heads, representing one of the season's most impressive performances so far. The Commanders showed both offensive firepower and resilience, putting them in the conversation as a rising team in a weak NFC East.

Source: original report ↗