FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Not much was going right for the New England Patriots in the first half of their game against the Los Angeles Chargers, but Drake Maye's 36-yard touchdown pass to receiver DeMario Douglas late in the second quarter gave them a much-needed spark.
One key to the play was Maye's cadence, which drew the Chargers offside, allowing for a free play.
The rookie then took advantage, even in the face of pressure. Chargers outside linebacker Joey Bosa had sliced through untouched and was in Maye's face when the quarterback uncorked a high-arcing throw down the middle of the field.