Last year, the New England Patriots played just one primetime game, getting blown out by the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football in Week 3. It was one of many defeats on their way to a 4-13 season.
This year has been a different story. The Patriots are one of the NFL’s best teams at 11-3, and they’ve already played three primetime games. This week, they’ll play another when they face the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football.
The game was originally scheduled for 1 p.m. ET before being flexed into the Sunday night slot, replacing Miami Dolphins vs. Cincinnati Bengals — both of whom have been eliminated from the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Week 16’s showdown between New England and the Ravens in Baltimore has massive postseason implications for both sides.
The Ravens need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, while the Patriots will clinch a postseason berth if they win.
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On Wednesday, Drake Maye shared his thoughts on the schedule change.
“That’s what we’re trying to play for for many years down the road. Trying to be the team that people want to see at night and people want to see when the only game on is us,” Maye told reporters. “That’s what you want the New England Patriots to be, playing in night games that matter and home playoff games.”
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Maye and his teammates are succeeding on the front. They’ve transformed into one of the league’s top teams again and appear bound for the postseason. They’re also fun to watch again after years of being unwatchable.
Maye has embraced the spotlight, going 3-0 in primetime this year. Beating Lamar Jackson on the road won’t be easy, but it would definitely be a statement win for Maye in his second season.
Featured image via David Butler II/Imagn Images
