SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Just moments after the New England Patriots‘ defeat in Super Bowl LX, quarterback Drake Maye expressed a mixture of regret and pride. Despite a tough 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night at Levi’s Stadium, Maye acknowledged his responsibility for key mistakes while emphasizing his belief in the team’s future.
Maye admitted he wished he could revisit and correct some plays from the game, highlighting the difficult nature of such high-stakes moments.
“What [plays] would I like to have back? Go back to the beginning. Redo it,”
he said with a chuckle, before facing the reality of the loss taking hold. Nevertheless, he remains proud of the team’s efforts throughout the season and optimistic about what lies ahead.
Offensive Struggles and Key Turnovers Highlight the Game
The Patriots’ offense had been a dominant force all season, led by Maye’s precise and fearless play. However, against an elite Seattle defense, the Patriots’ offensive line failed to protect Maye effectively, allowing six sacks and eleven quarterback hits. The offensive unit struggled to maintain momentum after early drives, often falling behind in critical yardage situations.
Maye acknowledged the team’s difficulty moving the chains, especially in third-down scenarios, explaining,
“Credit to them, we were moving it solid in the first couple drives, then had a couple of negative plays that would kind of put us behind the chains. Then from there, we just couldn’t stay ahead of the chains, third and short we couldn’t pick up first downs.”
He also took personal responsibility for some miscues, admitting,
“Got to be better with the football, make better decisions, and I’ve got to make better throws when the game is like that. I have to make some throws to move the football.”
Maye’s turnovers in the second half proved decisive. Two interceptions, including a 45-yard pick-six by Uchenna Nwosu, as well as a strip-sack recovered by Byron Murphy II, contributed to Seattle’s 17 points off of Patriots’ mistakes. Reflecting on these moments, Maye said,
“I think we were, what was it, 19-7 or 22-7, and I have the fumble or whatever [the call was], they return it for a touchdown, could’ve made a better throw or make a better decision. It just comes down to who makes the plays and who doesn’t, and they made the plays tonight.”
Season Promises Despite the Painful Outcome
Though the Super Bowl loss was disheartening, Maye and his teammates emphasized the positives drawn from a highly promising season. This year’s Patriots showed remarkable progress with Maye as a franchise quarterback and Mike Vrabel leading the team as the reigning Coach of the Year. The roster is positioned well, with cap space and offseason strategies allowing for further improvement.
Reflecting on the staff and teammates, Maye’s emotional tone deepened, voicing gratitude for the hard work behind the scenes.
“There’s people in here that do it for, not for the money or the fame. That’s what’s cool about this team,”
Maye stated, holding back tears, noting the dedication of the support personnel who fuel the team’s success beyond the spotlight.
Maye also praised the bond he shares with his teammates, calling them “brothers” forged through months of effort and mutual commitment. “Man, I’m so proud,” he said, his voice catching as he added,
“That’s what probably chokes me up the most. This team is something that I’m glad to be a part of.”
Looking Ahead to the Next Season and Growth
Maye’s message to his team and fans was clear: success in football hinges on seizing key moments. He underscored the importance of making critical plays in high-stakes games, explaining,
“You’ve got to play at your best, and those plays that can change the game matter. If you make them, you’re celebrating. If you [don’t] you’re sitting here crying at a podium. So, that’s part of it. I know the postseason is what you play for, and I know we’ll be back in the postseason and that’s what you play the game for.”
As the Patriots begin preparations for a quick offseason turnaround, with mini-camp and OTAs scheduled in April, the lessons from Super Bowl LX will undoubtedly influence their approach. Maye and the team are poised to build on their breakthroughs while addressing the inconsistencies that prevented a title victory.
Although nothing is guaranteed in football, the Patriots’ young quarterback and his team remain determined to return stronger, ready to chase future championship opportunities.
Drake Maye, fighting back tears, while talking about the whole support staff with the Patriots:
“There’s people in here that do it for, not for the money or the fame. That’s what’s cool about this team.” pic.twitter.com/nl0sVMf6jN
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) February 9, 2026
