Nine straight! After a dominant victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, the New England Patriots have officially won nine consecutive games and lead the NFL as of Week 12 with a record of 10-2. To add some perspective, the last time the Pats won eight straight was in 2019 during Tom Brady’s last hurrah. Over the past two seasons, the team has won a combined eight games. So, who’s the man behind the magic? I’ve got two words for you: Drake Maye.
In just his second season, quarterback Drake Maye is already making the case for MVP. In all honesty, after the Pats started the season 1-2 with two sloppy losses against the Las Vegas Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers — both with interceptions from Maye — I had my doubts. Boy, oh boy was I wrong. With the team now situated atop the AFC East, it’s clear something’s working. While there’s much to say about the positive impact of the new players on the team and the enthusiastic atmosphere first-year Head Coach Mike Vrabel has cultivated, ultimately, the team’s success has come from Maye’s consistency and maturity.
Most notably, Maye maintained a passer rating (an index based on passing stats like completion yards, TDs and interceptions) of 100+ for eight straight games — a feat placing him among historically elite QBs like Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning and Brady. After throwing for 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his 13 appearances last season, Maye has found his footing and thrown for 21 touchdowns with only six interceptions so far this season while also currently leading the league in passing yards. If one thing’s for sure, it’s that Maye is playing some serious football, and he’s playing to win.
In major games against the Buffalo Bills in Week 5 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11, Maye has consistently maintained his composure and outperformed both reigning MVP Josh Allen and two-time Pro Bowler Baker Mayfield, respectively. Having already been sacked 37 times this season (second most in the NFL), it’s clear that Maye’s success hasn’t been handed over on a silver platter.
Maye is slashing records left and right this season, like the Pats single-game completion record (sorry, Tom!), throwing for 91.3% (21/23) in Week 7 against the Tennessee Titans. He’s etched his name in the annals of the NFL with the most 80% completion rate games in a QB’s first two seasons of all time (five).
“If one thing’s for sure, it’s that Maye is playing some serious football, and he’s playing to win.”
Regardless, what stands out most is how Maye is getting it done. It’s no surprise that Maye has found a connection with three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who has 61 receptions on the season (11th in the league), but Maye is making sure that everyone gets a spot at the table. With tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper and wide receivers Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams all contributing touchdowns and averaging over 10 yards per reception, Maye is dishing out the ball all over the field and keeping defenses on their toes.
With the wins rushing in and the consistent stats to back him up, Drake Maye has been the driving force behind the Patriots’ success week after week this season. If he keeps up this level of play, we could be watching the making of a generational talent. If I had to give some advice to the rest of the NFL, all I’d say is: Watch out for the Maye-hem on its way!
