Patriots quarterback Drake Maye isn’t one to let superstitions or doubts cloud his focus as New England prepares to take on the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday afternoon in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Maye, the third overall pick in this year’s NFL draft, has dismissed concerns about the so-called “rookie wall,” a common belief that first-year players struggle as the season progresses. Now set for his ninth appearance and eighth start in Week 13, the 22-year-old is confident that he won’t falter under the pressure.

“As a starting quarterback, I don’t really think a rookie wall is going to hit me,” Maye shared. “By this point, everybody’s dealing with some kind of injury or fatigue. For me, it’s about appreciating the opportunity to lead the New England Patriots. So, really no rookie wall for me.”

Despite his optimism, Maye’s performance last Sunday in a 34-15 loss to the Miami Dolphins highlighted his growing pains. He completed 22 of 37 passes for 222 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception, and struggled for significant portions of the game.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo acknowledged the challenge Maye will face against the Colts, a team with a formidable defensive front.

“The Colts present a huge challenge for us,” Mayo said. “Defensively, they’ve got one of the better and more disruptive fronts we’ve seen this season.”

On the other side, the Colts (5-7) are grappling with their own offensive struggles. Last week, quarterback Anthony Richardson and his unit managed just 11 first downs in a 24-6 loss to the Detroit Lions. Richardson completed 11 of 28 passes for 172 yards and was the team’s leading rusher, tallying 61 yards on 10 carries. Meanwhile, star running back Jonathan Taylor was held to just 35 yards on 11 carries.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen is hopeful his offense can rebound against the Patriots (3-9).

“We want to be efficient running the football,” Steichen said. “Getting those 3, 4, 5 yards a carry and then hopefully breaking a big one is the goal this week.”

Injuries could make that task more difficult for the Colts. Wide receivers Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and Ashton Dulin were listed as unlikely to practice during Wednesday’s walkthrough. Downs, the team’s leading receiver with 53 catches for 594 yards and four touchdowns, is especially vital to the offense.

“It’s going to be tough for him this week,” Steichen admitted about Downs. “Not ruling him out, but it could be a challenge to have him ready.”

Adding to their woes, center Tanor Bortolini is dealing with a concussion, and his status remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the Patriots are also navigating injuries, with 12 players listed as limited during Wednesday’s practice, including wide receiver Demario Douglas (ankle), linebacker Anfernee Jennings (knee), and safeties Kyle Dugger (ankle) and Jabrill Peppers (knee).

Peppers returned to the team this week after being on the commissioner’s exempt list following his October 5 arrest. He faces multiple charges, including assault and battery, strangulation, and drug possession. Peppers has pleaded not guilty and is now back with the team.

As both teams prepare for Sunday’s matchup, overcoming adversity—whether from injuries or off-field challenges—will be critical. For the Patriots and their rookie quarterback, the game presents a chance to reset and rise to the occasion against a Colts team eager to bounce back.