Patriots Beat Raiders 45-17 Behind Drake Maye's Five Scores

New England improved its record to 3-2 with a 45-17 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at Gillette Stadium, as quarterback Drake Maye delivered five total touchdowns and the Patriots overcame multiple injuries to key players. The win came against a Raiders team that had lost only once in its first four games, according to Pats Pulpit.

Maye completed 26 of 34 passes for 374 yards and four touchdowns, then added another score on the ground. He completed eight of 11 passes traveling more than 10 air yards, producing 206 yards and three touchdowns on those throws.

The Patriots also received significant contributions from their receiving corps and defensive front. However, penalties remained a major problem, with New England committing 12 infractions for 116 yards.

Maye praised offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels for his role in the team's performance.

"Coach McDaniels was — it was beautiful," Maye said. "It was beautiful to be a part of today. He was clicking on all cylinders, making us look good, and we were executing."

Kyle Williams led the receiving group with a career-high 91 yards and a touchdown, catching two deep passes from Maye. With Mack Hollins and A.J. Brown on injured reserve, New England entered the game with only four wide receivers on its active roster.

Second-year receiver Efton Chism III recorded career highs with five catches on six targets for 57 yards. DeMario Douglas scored twice, while Romeo Doubs drew two defensive pass interference penalties.

Running back Rhamondre Stevenson also contributed after dealing with a knee injury during the week. He rushed for 64 yards and a touchdown and added 21 receiving yards.

At left tackle, rookie first-round pick Caleb Lomu replaced Will Campbell after Campbell left with a knee injury. According to Pats Pulpit, Lomu allowed one hurry during the game and held up against All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby during their observed matchup.

New England's offensive line conceded five penalties, but Maye faced pressure on only 26% of his dropbacks. The Raiders recorded six quarterback hits.

Maye credited the protection he received on a touchdown pass to Douglas.

"The first touchdown to Pop, I'm back there – credit the offensive line eating a ham sandwich, so I've got all day back there," Maye said.

Defensively, edge rusher Elijah Ponder recorded two sacks, including a strip sack, along with another quarterback hit and a hurry. Defensive tackle Milton Williams generated a team-high five pressures as New England focused on disrupting Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins.

The Patriots pressured Cousins on 48% of his dropbacks, including a comparable rate when rushing four defenders, according to the game analysis published by Pats Pulpit.

Cornerback Kindle Vildor also stepped up while New England dealt with four unavailable cornerbacks. He played 43 snaps, broke up a pass and forced a fumble.

Tight end Eli Raridon matched Chism's career-high receiving total with five catches for 57 yards. For Las Vegas, tight end Brock Bowers finished with eight catches for 110 yards and a touchdown.

Despite the convincing victory, coach Mike Vrabel identified discipline as an area requiring improvement. New England's 12 penalties for 116 yards drew particular criticism from the coach.

The Patriots' performance combined Maye's productive passing, contributions from an injury-depleted receiving group and pressure from the defensive front, while the penalty total remained a significant issue in their Week 5 win.