Patriots defeat Ravens in 28-24 comeback win

Doug Kyed, Boston Herald on Dec 21, 2025

Published in Football

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BALTIMORE — It was a night of firsts for quarterback Drake Maye in the New England Patriots’ 28-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens.

Maye delivered the first fourth-quarter comeback of his NFL career in his first 300-yard performance.

It wasn’t the prettiest of wins, but it should still serve as a morale-booster for the Patriots after last week’s loss to the Buffalo Bills. With the win, the Patriots are officially in the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

Trailing 24-21 with 5:02 left in the game, the Patriots needed 89 yards to get inside the end zone. Maye did it, even after a baffling non-call, when Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey was tackling wide receiver Kayshon Boutte before a deep ball came down from Maye. Maye was 6-of-8 passing on the go-ahead drive with explosive plays to wide receivers Mack Hollins and Stefon Diggs. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson scored on a 21-yard run to put the Patriots ahead.

The Ravens’ comeback attempt was stalled on a game-clinching play when outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson forced a fumble, recovered by cornerback Marcus Jones, after a completion from Ravens QB Tyler Huntley, filling in for Lamar Jackson, to wide receiver Zay Flowers.

The Ravens drove down the field with ease on their opening drive, scoring on a 21-yard touchdown run from Derrick Henry to cap off a five-play, 65-yard possession. That was despite the Patriots coming out in a loaded defensive front to stop the run. Henry still ran three times for 28 yards with the score.

The Patriots got down inside their red zone, but went backwards on a 3-yard loss by TreVeyon Henderson and again on a 1-yard sack when Maye ran out of bounds. His next pass was intercepted by Humphrey. Maye threw behind wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, who didn’t show much fight for the ball.

The Ravens appeared well on their way to another scoring drive before Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins jarred the ball loose, forcing Henry to fumble. Rookie safety Craig Woodson recovered for just the fourth Patriots takeaway in the last seven games.

Maye was able to capitalize, orchestrating a 10-play, 68-yard drive that culminated with a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Hunter Henry. The Patriots got inside the red zone on back-to-back 20+ yard completions to wide receiver Mack Hollins and tight end Austin Hooper.

The Patriots’ defense then forced their first three-and-out of the game. They got near the red zone but were backed up to the Ravens’ 27-yard line before settling for a 45-yard field goal from rookie Andy Borregales to take a 10-7 lead.

The Ravens matched that with their own field goal, a 36-yarder from Tyler Loop. Ravens Jackson left the game with a back injury on the final play of the series and didn’t return.

Maye fumbled on the Patriots’ ensuing drive just as they were getting into field goal range before the Ravens kneeled on the ball to end the half.

The Patriots went three-and-out to start the second half. The Ravens then picked up one first down on a 23-yard run by Henry before attempting a 56-yard field goal, which was no good.

Maye got the Patriots near the red zone again before the offense sputtered. Borregales hit a 41-yard field goal for the Patriots to take a 13-10 lead.

It didn’t last long. The Ravens scored on an 18-yard end-around touchdown from wide receiver Flowers. Huntley led the Ravens on the six-play, 65-yard drive and was helped by a facemask penalty on Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss.

A botched handoff and ticky-tack offensive pass interference penalty stalled the Patriots’ offense. They decided to call a fake punt, with upback Marte Mapu attempting a pass across his body on fourth-and-10. Mapu fumbled. It was a questionable call, at best.

The Ravens marched down the field again to take a 24-13 lead on a rushing touchdown from Henry. A suspect Patriots defense looked rough against a Ravens offense led by a backup quarterback.

Maye delivered a perfect 37-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams to cut the Ravens’ lead to 24-21, assisted by a completion to running back Stevenson for a two-point conversion.

The Patriots’ defense stepped up, allowing just one first down before forcing the Ravens to punt, setting up their offense for a potential comeback.

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