Just days before the New England Patriots’ crucial Week 18 showdown with the Miami Dolphins, the NFL has handed down its disciplinary decision regarding a controversial hit on quarterback Drake Maye during the team’s dominant Week 17 victory over the New York Jets.

The league announced on Saturday that Jets defensive end Jermaine Johnson has been fined $17,389 for roughing the passer, specifically for a blow to the head and neck area of the quarterback.

No suspension was issued, marking a relatively mild punishment that has sparked mixed reactions across the football world as the playoffs loom.

The incident occurred late in the second quarter of the Patriots’ 42-10 rout at MetLife Stadium. With New England already leading comfortably, Maye dropped back to pass on a third-down play.

As he released the ball—an incomplete attempt intended for wide receiver Stefon Diggs—Johnson converged on the quarterback alongside defensive tackle Jowon Briggs. Johnson’s forearm made direct contact with Maye’s facemask and neck, sending the young signal-caller crumpling to the turf.

Officials immediately threw a flag for roughing the passer, granting the Patriots 15 yards and an automatic first down.

Maye quickly shook off the hit, stayed in the game, and capped the drive with an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end Hunter Henry, extending the lead to 35-3 just before halftime.

Despite the hard contact, Maye appeared unfazed for the remainder of his time on the field. He delivered one of the most efficient performances in recent NFL history, completing 19 of 21 passes for 256 yards, five touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a near-perfect passer rating of 157.0.

Four of those touchdowns came in the first half alone, each to a different receiver, showcasing the sophomore quarterback’s poise and precision. Maye also added 22 rushing yards on limited carries before sitting out much of the second half as the Patriots cruised to victory.

The win improved New England to 13-3, clinching the AFC East title for the first time since 2019 and positioning them firmly in the hunt for the conference’s No. 1 seed and a first-round bye.

The NFL’s fine on Johnson aligns with the league’s standard schedule for first-time roughing the passer offenses involving head or neck contact: $17,389. A second violation in the same season would escalate to $23,186.

The decision was part of the broader Week 17 gameday accountability report, which included 25 total fines across the league. Two other Jets players—Jordan Clark and Isaiah Davis—were also penalized for separate infractions, receiving $4,703 and $5,686 respectively for taunting and improper use of the helmet.

The league emphasized its ongoing commitment to player safety, particularly in protecting quarterbacks from unnecessary risks, stating that such violations undermine competitive integrity.

For the Patriots, the timing of the announcement adds another layer of motivation heading into their regular-season finale against the 7-9 Dolphins. New England has already secured a playoff spot but is battling the 13-3 Denver Broncos and 12-4 Jacksonville Jaguars for top seeding in the AFC.

A win combined with favorable results elsewhere could lock up home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Maye, in his second season, has emerged as the frontrunner for MVP honors, with his stellar play transforming the Patriots from a rebuilding team into legitimate contenders.

His 2025 campaign has featured consistent excellence, including a career-high 380-yard outing in a comeback win over Baltimore and multiple Pro Bowl nods.

Head coach Mike Vrabel, who took over prior to the 2025 season alongside the return of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, has praised Maye’s resilience.

While Vrabel has not publicly commented on the specific fine, sources close to the team indicate satisfaction that the league addressed the hit, viewing it as reinforcement of protections for their franchise quarterback.

Maye himself downplayed the incident post-game, focusing instead on the team’s dominance: “We play in the National Football League. Every team has great players. It’s not like we’re playing some high school down the road.” His composure under pressure has become a hallmark, endearing him to fans and analysts alike.

On the Jets’ side, the fine represents another frustrating chapter in a disappointing season that sees them eliminated from playoff contention. Johnson, a key piece of their defensive line, will feel the financial sting but avoids missing time, allowing him to play in their meaningless finale against the Buffalo Bills.

The organization has not issued an official statement, but the cumulative penalties highlight ongoing discipline issues that have plagued the team.

Broader discussions around quarterback safety have intensified in recent years, with the NFL facing scrutiny over inconsistent enforcement of roughing rules. Critics argue that fines alone may not deter dangerous plays, especially late in blowout games when frustrations boil over.

Supporters of the decision point out that Johnson’s action, while forceful, did not warrant ejection or suspension under current guidelines, as Maye was able to continue without apparent long-term effects.

As the Patriots prepare for Miami, all eyes remain on Maye. His ascent has revitalized a franchise long accustomed to success but mired in mediocrity post-Tom Brady.

With weapons like Diggs and Henry thriving in the revamped offense, and a stout defense complementing his efforts, New England enters the postseason with momentum. The Dolphins game offers Maye a chance to further solidify his MVP case while resting key starters if seeding is secured early.

The NFL’s swift resolution ensures no lingering distractions for the playoffs, where hits like Johnson’s could carry far greater consequences. For now, the league has drawn its line: financial accountability without escalation.

Whether that proves sufficient deterrent remains a topic of debate, but for Drake Maye and the surging Patriots, the focus shifts squarely to chasing a Lombardi Trophy in what has become one of the most surprising turnaround stories of the season. (1024 words)