To direct Drake Maye or not.

That’s been one of the most popular talking points surrounding the New England Patriots in recent weeks – with the noise only growing louder after back-to-back short-yardage runs up the middle were interrupted in a loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

When New England faced the Buffalo Bills in Week 16, there hadn’t been a designed run for its dual-threat quarterback all season. Part of that had to do with their record and their hopes of getting the rookie out of his first season healthy.

However, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said the philosophy could change in the future if the Patriots play a big game. And that big play came on Sunday, when Maye was used on several designed runs and quarterback sneaks in the team’s loss to the Bills.

“We thought this was the best thing for the football team,” Jerod Mayo said after the game. “He can make plays with his legs, and he did that today… We’re always looking for ways to win.”

Maye was in favor of using that part of his game.

“I’m a big, 6-foot-1 guy who can gain a yard or hit someone with some speed, and I think people underestimate me a little bit,” he said Sunday. “I think it helps us offensively to move the chains. At this point we need some help, whether it be a short route or some other areas down in the red zone so I can make a play.”

The first planned run came in the second quarter near the goal line, a spot Van Pelt had previously highlighted as an area where Maye’s legs could be used. A zone analysis saw the quarterback pull the ball but not gain any yards, leading to a self-proclaimed poor result by trying to gain the lead instead of pushing it upfield – and keeping Hunter Henry in check in the process held and possibly missed six points.

In the second half, Maye experienced two more designed runs – a quarterback sneak and another zone read. He scored first downs on both occasions, including converting a fourth down by beating Von Miller at the rim for a 13-yard gain.

“Shoot, I thought it was smooth out there. I couldn’t really feel my feet,” Maye said. “But I think the other things are a chance for us to get first downs and end up making a big hit there on the sidelines. Other than that, I think there’s time for it, but at the same time I think I’ll make plays, I think I’ll scramble around enough and make some plays.”