The Patriots may have lost their fifth game in a row, but New England certainly gave the Buffalo Bills a run for their money in their Week 16 clash.

Drake Maye once again showed why he is the future in New England by outplaying MVP candidate Josh Allen in the Patriots’ 24-21 loss. Maye completed 22 of 36 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns. Allen had a bad night, completing 16 of 29 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown.

The rookie signal-caller told reporters after the tough loss that he was proud of his teammates and took a very bold stance as he expressed his support for head coach Jerod Mayo and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.

“I’m just trying to block out that noise,” Maye told reporters at Orchard Park. “I think there’s a lot of talk about our coaching staff and stuff like that… I think that’s nonsense, to be quite honest.

“Coach Mayo, like I said, we’re behind him. He wants to win. We all want to win. We are all frustrated. I feel like AVP has been calling the plays great over the last few weeks. It’s just fun to play.”

Maye not only showed his support for the Patriots coaching staff, but also his teammates and their effort each week.

“I think it’s just a testament to these guys. We keep fighting,” Maye said. “We won’t make the playoffs. We’re out of the race. And these guys keep coming back. … They got energy in practice. They brought energy into the game and we want to win.

“These guys who aren’t even playing are screaming on the sidelines wanting to win. I think we’re building something good. Something that feels right. I am proud to be a patriot.”

The 3-12 Patriots host the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium in Week 17 before closing the season with a rematch against the Bills in Week 18.