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After his first career playoff win, Drake Maye stuns by taking blame for below-par performance — thanks a teammate for “picking him up” and helping him stand firm

Foxborough, Massachusetts – The 16–3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers sent the New England Patriots to the Divisional Round and delivered the first playoff win of Drake Maye’s career. But while Gillette Stadium celebrated, Maye chose a different approach. Instead of focusing on the result, the young quarterback candidly admitted he didn’t play to expectations—especially early, when the Patriots’ offense struggled to find rhythm.

In reality, the Patriots started slowly, searching for a groove against a disciplined Chargers defense. Maye had several misreads, held the ball too long, and missed opportunities that could have changed the game sooner. Afterward, he didn’t shy away from responsibility. “It wasn’t pretty, that’s for sure,” Maye admitted. “I didn’t throw the ball very well tonight. That’s on me.” It was a rare self-critique from a quarterback fresh off a playoff victory.

Drake Maye outplays Joe Milton in loss | Final score: Eagles 14 - Patriots  13 - masslive.com

Maye said he knows exactly where he needs to improve—down to the smallest details, from accuracy and ball placement to quicker decision-making. “Just little things — accuracy, ball placement, making decisions faster,” he said. “I held onto the ball too long at times. It wasn’t my best.” For a second-year quarterback, those are hard lessons learned in a playoff debut, where pressure is amplified at every snap.

Patriots Offensive Duo Becoming Lethal

Yet in that moment, Maye emphasized the Patriots’ collective strength—especially Stefon Diggs. He offered heartfelt thanks to Diggs, who stood by him when things weren’t going smoothly. “He was there for me when things weren’t going well,” Maye said. “He picked me up right when I needed it most, lifted my spirits, reminded me of who I am. That’s something I’ll never forget.” Diggs’ presence and experience proved to be a crucial emotional anchor for Maye.

As the game wore on, Maye settled in, delivered the decisive touchdown pass, and closed out a night that was imperfect but meaningful. It wasn’t a star’s explosive performance—it was a sign of a young leader growing in real time: owning mistakes, leaning on teammates, and rising when it mattered. In the Patriots’ playoff journey, it may be Drake Maye’s most important win yet—not just on the scoreboard, but within himself.

 
 

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Steelers Owner Art Rooney II Calls On NFL To Review Results After OT Troy Fautanu Is Left Off The 2026 All-Pro List – And The Reason Behind It Has The Steelers Community Furious.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – January 12, 2026 The Pittsburgh Steelers have built their identity on toughness in the trenches, and when that foundation is overlooked, the response is never quiet. On Monday, Steelers owner Art Rooney II formally called on the National Football League to review the All-Pro voting process after offensive tackle Troy Fautanu was shockingly left off the 2026 All-Pro list entirely — not a single vote, first team or second. For a franchise that measures greatness in consistency rather than flash, the omission struck a nerve. Fautanu quietly authored one of the most reliable seasons by any offensive lineman in football. Week after week, he anchored protections, absorbed elite edge rushers, and provided the stability that allowed Pittsburgh’s offense to function under pressure. His work rarely showed up in highlight packages, but it was unmistakable on film. That, according to those inside the organization, is exactly the problem. “When you go back and watch the tape, snap by snap, matchup by matchup, you see a player doing everything this position demands — durable, disciplined, and consistent at the highest level. Troy Fautanu receiving zero All-Pro votes isn’t just an oversight; it’s a sign that how we evaluate the true value of an offensive lineman is still broken. If a player like Troy can be completely overlooked, then the question is no longer about him — it’s about the system itself.” That sentiment has echoed throughout Pittsburgh Steelers circles since the All-Pro list was released. Offensive line analysts, former players, and coaches have pointed out that Fautanu’s value lies in preventing disasters rather than creating spectacle — a role that too often goes unrewarded in league-wide honors. League insiders note that All-Pro voting remains heavily influenced by reputation, team offensive rankings, and visible statistics — metrics that rarely capture an offensive tackle’s true impact. Fautanu played in a balanced, team-first system where efficiency mattered more than individual numbers, and Pittsburgh believes that context unfairly worked against him. Rooney’s request does not seek to rewrite the 2026 All-Pro list. Instead, it challenges whether the current process can accurately recognize excellence at positions designed to operate in anonymity. Inside the locker room, the snub has been taken personally — not as motivation, but as disrespect. Fautanu, by all accounts, has handled the moment with professionalism, continuing to prepare for the postseason with the same quiet approach that defined his season. In Pittsburgh, respect is earned in the hardest places on the field. The Steelers believe Troy Fautanu earned his long before the ballots were cast. The All-Pro list may be finalized, but in the Steel City, the conversation is just beginning.