NFL: Drake Maye leads incredible comeback in the final minutes and Patriots clinch playoff spot with 28-24 over Ravens

The New England Patriots defeated the Baltimore Ravens 28-24 at M&T Bank Stadium, at The game featured constant comebacks, with the Patriots overcoming an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure postseason qualification for the first time since 2021. Quarterback Drake Maye completed 31 of 44 passes for 380 yards and two touchdowns, while Lamar Jackson’s back injury impacted the Ravens’s performance in the second half.

The Patriots ended the night with a record of 12 wins and 3 losses, consolidating their lead in the AFC East. Já the Ravens, now with 7 wins and 8 losses, saw their playoff chances drop drastically, depending on unlikely combinations of results in the final rounds.

• Derrick Henry opened the scoring with a 21-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
• Hunter Henry tied it with a pass reception from Maye in the second period.
• Field goals from Andres Borregales and Tyler Loop kept the balance until halftime at 10-10.

The match took on a dramatic turn with Lamar Jackson leaving in the second quarter, after suffering a knee in the back during a run. The Ravens quarterback did not return, being replaced by Tyler Huntley, who commanded the attack for the rest of the game.

WE ARE FAR FROM BEING DONE.pic.twitter.com/pq7F4D8Mcf

— x – New England Patriots (@Patriots)December 22, 2025

Turnaround in the fourth quarter

Ravens extended the lead to 24-13 at the start of the fourth quarter, with another touchdown from Derrick Henry on a short run. Huntley managed the ground plays well, exploiting gaps in the Patriots defense. However, New England’s defensive unit forced decisive turnovers, including a fumble recovery in the final minutes.

Drake Maye started the fightback with a 37-yard touchdown pass from Kyle Williams, followed by a successful two-point conversion to Rhamondre Stevenson. The defense held the Ravens in sequence, returning possession to the attack. Maye connected precise passes, including long gains for Stefon Diggs, paving the way for the comeback.

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Performance of Drake Maye

Drake Maye recorded his first career game with over 300 passing yards, completing key passes on third and fourth down situations. The quarterback avoided critical mistakes in the second half, distributing the ball to receivers like Hunter Henry and Kyle Williams. Sua mobility also contributed, with runs that kept drives alive.

The Patriots campaign gained momentum with balanced contributions from air and ground attack. Rhamondre Stevenson added important yards on the final runs, complementing Maye’s passing. The offensive line protected the quarterback well in the decisive phase, allowing time for deep reads.

Lamar Jackson injury and replacement

Lamar Jackson left the field in the second quarter after a tackle that resulted in an impact on his back. Exames initials indicated an injury, and the quarterback was ruled out for the remainder of the game. Tyler Huntley took command, completing passes for moderate advances and supporting the ground game.

The Ravens remained competitive with the Huntley, scoring touchdowns via the Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers. The absence of Jackson limited dynamic play options, especially in scrambles that characterize the holder’s style. The team lost momentum on crucial fourth-quarter drives.

Implications for the playoffs

With the victory, the Patriots guaranteed a place in the postseason and kept the dispute for the best campaign in the AFC alive. The team faces affordable opponents in the final rounds, positioning itself favorably for a high seed. The return to the playoffs marks a successful reconstruction under current command.

The Ravens seriously complicated the classification, depending on their own victories and defeats of direct competitors. Jackson’s injury adds uncertainty for the remaining games, with the team needing consistent performance in the ground attack. Baltimore struggles to maintain hopes in the AFC North.

Individual game highlights

Drake Maye stood out with precision in long passes and leadership in decisive moments. Stefon Diggs contributed receptions to significant gains, supporting the aerial offensive.

• Derrick Henry: Dois consistent rushing touchdowns and yards.
• Rhamondre Stevenson: Corrida decisive for touchdown and two-point conversion.
• Andres Borregales: Field goals converted in key moments.
• Defense of Patriots: Fumbles forced that changed the course of the match.

The match exemplified the resilience of the Patriots in a hostile environment, with a recovery after a significant deficit.

Context of the season for both teams

The Patriots arrived at the game with a strong campaign, undefeated as visitors until then. The victory reinforced the positive momentum, with Maye emerging as the centerpiece. Early classification allows focus on positioning for the playoffs.

The Ravens came under pressure, needing a triumph to keep their divisional chances alive. The defeat exposed vulnerabilities, especially with Jackson injuries accumulated throughout the season. The team seeks immediate recovery in the final matches.