Maye throws 3 TDs as Patriots intercept Murray four times in 28-19 win

Foxborough, MA - Drake Maye threw three touchdown passes, New England intercepted Kyler Murray four times and the Patriots ended a two-game losing streak with a 28-19 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14.

The result came with an unusual statistical split. Minnesota accumulated 420 offensive yards and 27 first downs, comfortably exceeding New England's totals of 343 yards and 13 first downs. The Vikings rushed for 238 yards and produced another 182 through the air, yet the Patriots emerged with the nine-point win.

The clearest separation appeared in passing efficiency and interceptions. Maye completed 14 of 18 passes for a game-high 224 yards, three touchdowns and one interception, finishing with a 134.9 passer rating. Murray went 20 of 34 for 211 yards, but his four interceptions contributed to a 37.3 rating.

New England's defense recorded three sacks in addition to its four interceptions. Minnesota also generated pressure and takeaways, finishing with two sacks and one interception, but the Patriots held a four-to-one advantage in interceptions.

"We were efficient, and that's something we can build on," Maye said. "I still have the interception I want back, but we got good production from the passing game and finished with touchdowns. That's the standard we're trying to reach every week."

Maye's longest completion covered a game-best 54 yards, with Tyquan Thornton recording the game-long reception. Thornton finished with three catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns, giving New England substantial production from a limited number of targets.

Romeo Doubs handled a larger share of the receiving workload, catching seven passes for a team-high 82 yards and a touchdown. His longest reception went for 46 yards. Together, Thornton and Doubs accounted for all three of New England's receiving touchdowns and 149 yards.

The Patriots also received a heavy rushing contribution from Rhamondre Stevenson. He carried a game-high 21 times for 127 yards and a touchdown, including a 37-yard run that was the longest rushing attempt of the game. New England finished with 126 rushing yards as a team after Maye was credited with minus-1 yard on his lone carry.

"When you get that kind of workload, you want to give the offense dependable yards," Stevenson said. "There were some good runs in there, and I liked the commitment we showed to staying productive on the ground."

Minnesota's rushing numbers were even larger. Aaron Jones Sr led all players with 133 yards on 15 carries, averaging nearly nine yards per attempt and breaking a 27-yard run. Jordan Mason added 80 yards on 18 carries and scored a rushing touchdown as the Vikings finished with 238 yards on the ground.

That rushing output was part of a broader day in which Minnesota repeatedly moved the chains. The Vikings converted 7 of 13 third downs and their only successful fourth-down attempt came across two tries. New England went 4 of 8 on third down.

Murray's interceptions, however, remained the glaring issue in an otherwise productive offensive performance.

"Four interceptions is too many, no matter what the rest of the numbers say," Murray said. "We moved the ball and had a lot of production, but I have to take better care of it. That starts with me."

Justin Jefferson was Murray's leading target and the game's top receiver, catching 11 passes for 109 yards. His longest reception gained 19 yards, and his volume helped him become the only player in the game to reach triple figures through the air.

"There were opportunities for us to move the football, and we did that in a lot of areas," Jefferson said. "But the yards don't feel the same when you leave without the result. We have to clean up the things that took away from the production."

Both teams made four trips to the red zone and scored two touchdowns there. Minnesota also made one field goal during its red-zone possessions, while New England did not record a red-zone field goal.

The Vikings' defense produced its share of notable individual work. Jay Ward recorded both of Minnesota's sacks, while Harrison Smith intercepted Maye and returned the ball 41 yards. Those contributions accompanied an offense that held advantages in first downs, rushing yards and overall offensive yardage.

New England nevertheless left Foxborough with the result it needed after entering the game at 8-4 on a two-game skid. Minnesota came in at 4-8 and carrying a one-game winning streak, but its yardage advantages were accompanied by four interceptions in the 28-19 defeat.

Up Next

The Patriots will take the win on the road for a Week 15 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, while the Vikings return home looking to rebound against the Detroit Lions.