Just 3 Hours After Leaving the Jets, Former QB Beloved by Patriots Fans With More Than 16,656 Career Yards and 147 Touchdowns Immediately Turns Toward New England — Ready to Take a Pay Cut and Start on the Practice Squad to Return Home

JACKSONVILLE, Florida — The 35–6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars has pushed the New England Patriots into the center of criticism, but amid that wave of disappointment, legend Julian Edelman has spoken out in defense of his former team. The Patriots arrived in Jacksonville with an opportunity to improve their record to 2–1 following a 20–3 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they left the field after delivering one of their most forgettable performances of the early season. New England failed to score a touchdown, while the Jaguars repeatedly capitalized on their opponent’s mistakes to turn the game into a 29-point blowout victory. The focus of the pressure quickly shifted toward Drake Maye, the quarterback expected to lead the next chapter of the Patriots. Maye committed three turnovers in the game and was eventually pulled by HC Mike Vrabel after Jacksonville had taken a 35–6 lead in the fourth quarter. According to information released after the game, Maye had accumulated a total of seven turnovers through the first three weeks, raising growing questions about his ability to protect the football. On social media, the reaction from Patriots fans became increasingly harsh. Some criticized Maye, while others directed their frustration toward the offense and the coaching staff. At that moment, Edelman chose to deliver a completely different message. The former wide receiver, who experienced both successful and difficult times in Foxborough, emphasized that loyalty to a team does not exist only when victories come. “I understand everyone is angry. 35–6 isn’t something anyone in New England wants to see. But this is exactly when the team needs its fans the most. If you’re not with them through the hard times, then don’t stand there celebrating when they lift the trophy. The Patriots were built on belief, accountability, and the ability to get back up after bad days.” Edelman’s message did not deny the problems the Patriots are facing. New England scored only six points, failed to find the end zone, and allowed Jacksonville to score touchdowns on five different possessions. Maye also has to take responsibility for his decisions, particularly the interception near the end zone that cost the Patriots one of their most important scoring opportunities. But Edelman understands very well how quickly one bad game can create enormous pressure for a young quarterback in New England. Instead of delivering a long speech specifically for Maye, Edelman sent the Patriots quarterback a message consisting of only seven words. “Keep fighting, kid. Your story isn't finished.” The brief message carried a clear meaning: Keep fighting, your story isn’t over yet. Maye will certainly need a strong response. Turnovers are becoming a concerning issue, but responsibility for the loss to Jacksonville does not belong to the quarterback alone. The receivers struggled, the offense lacked consistency, penalties came at unfavorable moments, and the defense was also unable to prevent the Jaguars from extending the margin. For Vrabel and the Patriots, the next task is not to erase the 35–6 loss, because that is impossible. What matters is how New England responds to it. And as Foxborough is filled with disappointment, Edelman sends out a familiar reminder of Patriots culture: teams are remembered not because they never fall, but because of how they get back up when everything seems to be against them.