### Patriots' Dramatic Comeback Clinches Playoff Spot Amidst Lamar Jackson's Injury The New England Patriots secured a crucial victory against the Baltimore Ravens on December 22, 2025, winning 28-24 in a thrilling comeback that clinched their playoff berth for the first time since 2021. The game was marked by a significant injury to Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who exited in the second quarter due to a back injury, impacting Baltimore's performance. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye led the charge with a stellar fourth-quarter performance, throwing for two touchdowns and completing 31 of 44 passes for 380 yards, marking his first career game with over 300 passing yards. This victory not only solidified the Patriots' playoff position but also dealt a severe blow to the Ravens' postseason hopes, leaving them in a precarious situation as they fight for a playoff spot. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Game Overview** - The Patriots trailed 24-13 in the fourth quarter before rallying to score 15 points in the final minutes. - Maye's performance was pivotal, showcasing his growth as a quarterback and solidifying his status as a potential MVP candidate. 2. **Lamar Jackson's Injury Impact** - Jackson's exit in the second quarter due to a back injury significantly affected the Ravens' offensive strategy and execution. - The Ravens were unable to maintain their lead without their star quarterback, leading to their elimination from playoff contention. 3. **Drake Maye's Performance** - Maye completed 31 of 44 passes for 380 yards, including two touchdown passes and one interception. - His performance included a critical 37-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Williams and a game-winning touchdown run by Rhamondre Stevenson. 4. **Playoff Implications** - The win secured the Patriots a playoff spot, marking a significant turnaround for the franchise after a challenging previous season. - The loss left the Ravens needing to win their remaining games to have any chance of making the playoffs. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Drake Maye's Statistics:** - **Passing Yards:** 380 yards - **Touchdowns:** 2 - **Interceptions:** 1 - **Completion Rate:** 70.5% (31 of 44 passes) - **Career Milestone:** First game with over 300 passing yards [https://yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/drake_maye_reaches_personal_milestone_as_patriots_lock_up_playoff_berth/s1_13132_43237621]. - **Game Flow:** - **Fourth Quarter Scoring:** - Maye's touchdown pass and two-point conversion cut the Ravens' lead to 24-21. - Stevenson’s 21-yard touchdown run clinched the game for the Patriots [https://kstp.com/ap-top-news/drake-maye-leads-the-patriots-to-a-28-24-win-over-the-ravens-that-clinches-a-playoff-spot]. - **Ravens' Situation:** - The loss eliminated the Ravens from playoff contention, leaving them with a record that necessitates winning their final games to stay in the hunt [https://cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/ravens-new-england-patriots-playoffs]. ### Conclusion: A Turning Point for the Patriots **The New England Patriots' comeback victory against the Baltimore Ravens not only secured their playoff berth but also highlighted the emergence of Drake Maye as a key player for the franchise.** 1. **Game Significance:** - Clinched playoff spot for the Patriots for the first time since 2021. - Demonstrated resilience and capability in high-pressure situations. 2. **Impact of Lamar Jackson's Injury:** - Severely affected the Ravens' chances, leading to their elimination from playoff contention. 3. **Drake Maye's Development:** - Showcased his potential as a franchise quarterback and MVP candidate with a record-setting performance. 4. **Future Outlook:** - The Patriots are poised for a strong playoff run, while the Ravens face an uphill battle to salvage their season [https://nypost.com/2025/12/22/sports/patriots-use-rally-to-top-ravens-after-lamar-jacksons-injury-exit].