With just over 12 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Patriots ignited a potential comeback as Drake Maye threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to Mack Hollins, cutting the Seahawks’ lead to 19-7. This big play marked Maye’s strongest pass of the game and came at a crucial point where the Patriots needed a spark to close the gap.
Details of the Key Drive and On-Field Events
The Patriots’ scoring sequence began with Maye scrambling for six yards, although the Seahawks might have committed a penalty by unnecessarily knocking down Stefon Diggs. Shortly thereafter, a field intrusion by a fan briefly stopped play. Despite this, Maye quickly found Hollins over the middle for a 24-yard gain, moving the Patriots rapidly downfield.
Just moments later, Maye threw to Hollins again for the touchdown, completing a swift three-play, 65-yard drive in under a minute. This efficient scoring effort was exactly what the Patriots needed to rekindle their chances in the game.
Strategic Considerations Following the Touchdown
After the score, the Patriots opted for an extra point rather than a two-point conversion, though some suggest that going for two could have been beneficial. Successfully converting two-point attempts after two touchdowns would have brought the Patriots within a field goal of tying, assuming the Seahawks remained at 19 points. This decision might influence how the Patriots manage the remainder of the game as they aim to complete the comeback.
