The New England Patriots ultimately decided to release Drake Maye in Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt had refrained from calling designed runs for the rookie quarterback in his last eight games. Maintaining Maye’s health is a top priority, especially since the 22-year-old suffered a concussion in Week 8.

Last week, the Patriots’ refusal to play Maye came under fire as she proved costly in the team’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals. After failing to convert on third and fourth possessions at the goal line, many wondered why they didn’t use their big, mobile QB in a critical short-yardage situation.

Apparently, head coach Jerod Mayo’s not-so-subtle remark against Van Pelt was a turning point. On Sunday, the Patriots made multiple QB runs for the first time all season. Maye was a fan of change.

“I’m a big 6-foot-3 guy who can get three feet and hit someone with some speed. I think people underestimate me a little bit,” Maye said.

“I think it helps us offensively to move the chains. At this point we need some help, whether it be short yardage or other areas like the red zone so I can make a play.”

Maye finished the game with 30 yards on six carries, including a 13-yard rush on fourth-and-1. His other designed runs included a QB sneak on the Patriots’ 1-yard line and a two-yard gain on the second-and-1 line.

Judging by Mayo’s postgame comments, we should see more designed runs for Maye in the Patriots’ final two games of the season.

“We thought this would be best for the football team,” he said. “He can play with his legs and he did that today.”

Maye supported his coaches after Sunday’s game, calling recent talk about their job security “BS.” He will look to help New England end its tumultuous season on a high note, starting with a showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers this Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at Gillette Stadium.