EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The ghost of 2019 has finally been exorcised. On a crisp Sunday evening at MetLife Stadium, the New England Patriots didn’t just beat the New York Jets; they dismantled them 42-10 to reclaim the AFC East throne.
For the first time in six years, the division runs through Foxborough. But amidst the confetti and championship hats, quarterback Drake Maye had a different kind of celebration on his mind one involving a very expensive menu.
While the headline was the division title, a lucrative subplot played out between the white lines. Veteran receiver Stefon Diggs entered the game needing just four catches to trigger a $500,000 performance bonus in his contract.
Maye, who was surgical all night, helped Diggs hit the mark, ensuring the receiver walked away with a heavy wallet. When told about the milestone after the game, the second-year quarterback feigned ignorance but immediately spotted an opportunity.
Drake Maye says he didn’t know his touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs helped Diggs cash an incentive: No, but I’ll make sure to tell him he needs to buy me dinner. We’re not looking to hunt up incentives, we’re looking to hunt up wins.
Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) December 28, 2025
No, but I’ll make sure to tell him he needs to buy me dinner, Maye joked, flashing a grin. We’re not looking to hunt up incentives, we’re looking to hunt up wins.
The incentives were just the cherry on top of a near-perfect offensive showing. Maye completed 19 of 21 passes for 256 yards and a staggering five touchdowns. The victory improved New England to 13-3 and, perhaps more impressively, sealed a perfect 8-0 record on the road this season.
It’s tough to win on the road in this league, Maye reflected after the game. We showed up, we started fast, and just didn’t stop there… We packed our identity, stayed true to ourselves.
“We showed up, we started fast, and just didn’t stop from there.”
Drake Maye spoke with @Kristina_Pink after the @Patriots went a perfect 8-0 on the road this season pic.twitter.com/eRtT3psM24
FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 28, 2025
The trajectories of these two franchises could not be more divergent. While New England prepares for a playoff run as division champions, the Jets have hit rock bottom. Sitting at 3-13 with a four-game losing streak, the atmosphere in New York is grim. The blowout loss has intensified scrutiny on head coach Aaron Glenn, whose future with the franchise now hangs in the balance.
For the Patriots, the turnaround from Maye’s rookie season where the team finished 4-13 is complete. They have transformed from a rebuilding project into a juggernaut in just twelve months.
Just proud of these guys out here. We showed up, we started fast, and just didn’t stop there. Took everybody. – Drake Maye, Patriots Quarterback
Maye’s comments highlight the collective nature of the Patriots’ resurgence. It isn’t just about the quarterback; it’s about a team that has learned how to travel into hostile environments and impose their will, a trait that will be indispensable in January.
The Patriots have their hat and t-shirt, but they aren’t done yet. They close out the regular season next Sunday against the Dolphins, looking to fine-tune their engine before the playoffs begin. As for Stefon Diggs, he might want to start looking for reservations at the finest steakhouse in Boston his quarterback is waiting.
