New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, following a stellar second season and a runner-up finish for the 2025 NFL MVP, has faced sharp criticism in the first half of Super Bowl 60. Despite his strong regular-season performance, Maye has struggled under the spotlight, as the Patriots have yet to score in the opening two quarters against the Seattle Seahawks.
Through the initial half of the game, Maye completed just six of 11 passes for 48 yards and has been sacked three times, losing 30 yards. He also added an 11-yard rush but has not been able to lead his team to the end zone, with the Patriots’ offense registering only 51 yards and four first downs in total. Meanwhile, Seattle has taken a 9-0 lead with three successful field goals by kicker Jason Myers.
Maye Draws Comparison to Steelers’ Kenny Pickett Amid Struggles
Among voices criticizing Maye, former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown singled him out on social media, drawing a comparison between Maye and Steelers’ 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett. Brown’s post on the platform X hinted at Maye’s current challenges, reflecting skepticism about his performance in high-pressure moments.
“Drake Maye when it turns February…”
— Antonio Brown, Former NFL Wide Receiver
Maye’s regular-season statistics were impressive, completing 354 of 492 passes for 4,394 yards with 31 touchdowns and only eight interceptions, a marked improvement over his rookie season where he finished with 2,276 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Patriots’ offense was among the league’s best, ranking second in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric with a score of 86.6, and Maye himself was second in the QB Impact rankings just behind Brock Purdy.
Patriots’ Offensive Challenges Highlight Postseason Pressure
Despite their offensive strengths in the regular season, the Patriots have faltered against stronger defenses in the postseason, culminating in their scoreless half in Super Bowl 60. The Seahawks’ defense has successfully contained Maye and the Patriots’ offense, maintaining momentum and forcing Seattle’s special teams to convert multiple field goals.
As the game moves into the second half, New England will receive the kickoff with the urgent need to respond. Head coach Mike Vrabel faces the challenge of revitalizing his team to overcome the scoring drought. Although a touchdown would not immediately clinch the lead, it would narrow the gap to just two points after the extra point, providing a critical boost after a difficult opening half.
Implications of Maye’s Performance and Patriots’ Prospects
The outcome of Super Bowl 60 will likely hinge on whether Maye can rebound from his early struggles and lead the Patriots to overcome the Seahawks’ defense. Antonio Brown’s comparison to Kenny Pickett underscores the high expectations and scrutiny Maye faces as a young quarterback in a major game. How Maye adjusts under pressure could define his career trajectory and the Patriots’ championship hopes moving forward.
Drake Maye when it turns February… pic.twitter.com/Op92HJaez5
— AB (@AB84) February 9, 2026
