Daquan Jones and the AFC East Rivalry

Back in 2014, Daquan Jones stepped onto the scale at the NFL Scouting Combine, tipping the scales at a hefty 322 pounds. This number put him in the 86th percentile for defensive tackles.

What no one realized back then was that he was destined to cross paths with Drake May.

Fast forward to Sunday night, and the New England Patriots matched up against the Buffalo Bills. With just 2:12 remaining and the score tied at 20-20, the Patriots had the ball on their 29-yard line after scoring a touchdown to equalize.

Jones found himself on the opposite end of the line of scrimmage.

The plays that followed already resonate with Patriots fans. Jones burst through the New England line, bearing down on the quarterback, yet May somehow managed to remain standing, dodging the defender and successfully completing a pass to Stephon Diggs in the right flat.

Instead of a simple nine-yard gain, this play gave the Patriots a fresh set of downs, fueling hopes of a remarkable upset over the undefeated Bills.

Then came May’s next throw—a 19-yard completion to Kason Boot, nearly as impressive. Buffalo’s defense fell into two deep coverages, and May found Boot along the right sideline, expertly threading the needle between the cornerback and the safety.

This successful pass brought New England closer to field goal range for rookie kicker Andy Bol Ledgers.

Not long after that, the Patriots faced a critical third-and-five at the Buffalo 34-yard line. With under a minute to go, a 52-yard field goal loomed, making it all the more crucial for New England to secure another first down.

But a slip in the play almost spelled disaster.

Again, the Patriots put the ball in May’s hands. This time, with the play designed to have him roll out. Yet, once more, an early pressure from Joey Bosa loomed over him.

Instead of succumbing to the sack that could’ve pushed New England out of field goal range, May stood tall and managed to pull off an impactful “no-gain” play.

The next snap allowed Borreggueles to convert the 52-yarder, leading the Patriots to what could become a landmark victory.

And then there was the quarterback who made it happen.

“I think Drake put on a really brave performance,” remarked head coach Mike Vrabel. “Watching him grow and lead this team has been enjoyable.”

Young quarterback Stephon Diggs also praised May, stating, “There have been a lot of comparisons made, but comparing him to Josh Allen is quite something.”

However, Diggs emphasized that May needed to be his own player, citing how proud he felt of the young quarterback for his leadership.

After the game, May modestly downplayed his contribution.

“Honestly, I didn’t hurt the team,” he said. “I protected the ball, made some plays, and relied on my teammates, which is really important.”

May had a magical night, delivering some of his career’s best throws.

As the Patriots prepare for their next games against the New Orleans Saints, Tennessee Titans, and Cleveland Browns, it’s clear that one victory, even a significant one like this, won’t define their entire season.

But it certainly lays a foundation.

And having the right players under center helps, too.