Patriots QB Maye reflects on Super Bowl struggles following shoulder injury, avoids offseason surgery

Drake Maye, the New England Patriots quarterback, has confirmed that he will not require offseason surgery for a shoulder injury sustained during the AFC Championship Game.

Why it matters: Maye's health is crucial for the Patriots as they look to build on a successful season where their offense ranked third in total yards.

• The Patriots fell short in Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks, and with Maye healthy, they can aim for deeper playoff runs in the coming seasons.
• Maye’s ability to perform at a high level will be essential if the team hopes to maintain its offensive momentum.

What's new: Maye revealed that he took a pain-killing injection before the Super Bowl to manage discomfort from his right shoulder, which he injured during a hit by Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga in the AFC Championship Game.

• Despite this setback, he expressed confidence in his recovery process, stating, "Time is the best healer. I definitely just need time off."

By the numbers: In Super Bowl LX, Maye faced significant pressure, being sacked six times and finishing with a stat line of 27 completions on 43 attempts for 295 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.

• He struggled early, failing to score against the Seahawks’ top-ranked defense until late in the game after falling behind 19-0.

Yes, but: While Maye acknowledged the challenges of his performance, he remains optimistic about his future.

• "It stings. It's going to sting for a while... I didn't play as well as I would have liked down the stretch," he reflected, emphasizing his commitment to improvement.

What to watch: As teams begin to strategize for the upcoming season, the Patriots will closely monitor Maye's recovery and readiness for training camp.

• His performance could dictate how the Patriots approach their offensive schemes, particularly as they utilize modern concepts like spread and zone schemes to maximize their talent.

The bottom line: With no surgical intervention required, Maye appears set to continue developing as a cornerstone of the Patriots' offense.

• His resilience and ability to recover from injury will be tested as the team seeks to reestablish itself as a contender in the AFC.