Maye throws 2 TDs as Patriots beat Lions 28-20

Detroit, MI - Drake Maye threw for 304 yards and two touchdowns, A.J. Brown delivered the game’s biggest receiving performance and the New England Patriots defeated the Detroit Lions 28-20 in Week 10.

New England built an advantage and protected it as Detroit worked to narrow the margin. The Patriots never established consistent control on third down or in the red zone, but their ability to produce large gains through the air gave the offense a different dimension in a game that remained competitive.

Both teams entered the matchup looking to answer a loss. New England arrived at 7-2, while Detroit came in at 4-4. The Patriots left with the rebound they wanted, using a passing attack that produced 304 yards against a Lions defense that recorded three sacks but no interceptions.

Maye completed 19 of 32 passes and finished with a 111.9 passer rating. His game-long 80-yard completion went to Brown, who caught five passes for a game-high 150 yards and a touchdown. Romeo Doubs added six receptions for 120 yards and a score, with a long catch of 62 yards.

Together, Brown and Doubs accounted for 270 of New England’s 304 passing yards. Their production supplied the explosive element in an offense that finished with 386 offensive yards despite recording only 14 first downs and converting 3 of 13 third-down attempts.

"We didn’t stay on schedule as often as we wanted, especially on third down, but we were able to get the ball to guys who could create big gains," Maye said. "A.J. and Romeo gave us a lot with the opportunities they had, and we took care of the football."

The Patriots’ ground game was more measured. Rhamondre Stevenson rushed 15 times for 70 yards, including a long run of 19 yards, as New England totaled 82 rushing yards. The offense went 1-for-1 on fourth down but did not score a touchdown on either of its two red-zone trips, settling for a field goal on both possessions inside the 20.

Detroit generated a more balanced yardage total, finishing with 352 offensive yards while recording 19 first downs. The Lions rushed for 158 yards, nearly doubling New England’s total, and converted 6 of 14 third downs. They also scored touchdowns on two of their three red-zone trips and made a field goal on the other.

Jahmyr Gibbs carried a game-high 17 times for 82 yards, while Sione Vaki added 77 yards on 11 attempts. Vaki produced the game’s longest rush at 42 yards, and Gibbs had a long run of 26. That tandem gave Detroit steady rushing production as the Lions continued to apply pressure to New England’s advantage.

Jared Goff completed 23 of 39 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns, but New England held Detroit’s passing game without a completion longer than 15 yards. Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta each caught a touchdown, while Amon-Ra St. Brown led the Lions with seven receptions and 49 yards.

Goff’s lone interception went to Carlton Davis III, who returned the ball 16 yards. New England finished with one sack and one interception, while Detroit’s defense countered with three sacks.

"We had enough first downs and enough production on the ground to give ourselves opportunities," Goff said. "But 20 points wasn’t enough today, and the interception is something I have to own. We have to turn more of that movement into points."

The statistical contrasts made the eight-point result notable. Detroit held the advantages in first downs, rushing yards, third-down conversions and red-zone touchdowns. New England, however, finished with 110 more passing yards and produced the game’s two 100-yard receivers. Maye’s two touchdown passes and turnover-free performance accompanied a Patriots victory that moved them past their Week 9 setback.

Up Next

Detroit will remain home to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11 as the Lions look to rebound. New England next travels to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 12, looking to follow up its 28-20 win.