Quarterback Drake Maye led the New England Patriots to their eighth consecutive victory on Thursday night, dominating the New York Jets with a standout performance. The Patriots triumphed 27-14, solidifying their position at the top of the AFC East with a 9-2 record, and Maye’s performance has sparked discussions about his potential candidacy for the NFL MVP award.
Maye showcased his skills with remarkable precision, completing 25 of 32 passes for a completion percentage of 73.5%, accumulating 281 passing yards and one touchdown. His quarterback rating soared to 107.6, marking his fourth consecutive game with over 250 passing yards. Through the first 11 games of the season, Maye leads the league with 2,836 passing yards, ranks tied for second with 20 touchdowns, and has thrown only five interceptions.
Colin Cowherd, during his Friday broadcast on FOX Sports, highlighted Maye’s critical role in the Patriots’ recent successes. He emphasized that Maye’s exceptional play is the primary driver behind the team’s winning streak, advocating for the 23-year-old quarterback’s MVP candidacy. “Winning games comes down to your quarterback making five, six, seven throws or decisions,” Cowherd stated, underscoring the importance of high-level execution.
Maye’s performance on first downs has been particularly impressive, achieving a completion rate of 78% in these situations, including an outstanding 9-for-11 against the Jets. Cowherd praised Maye’s diverse skill set, including jump passes and sideline throws, which he believes set the young quarterback apart from others in the league. Cowherd compared Maye to Tom Brady, suggesting that Maye is a more athletic version capable of similar high-level play.
The Patriots’ future appears promising with Maye at the helm. The team had faced struggles the previous season, finishing 4-13 under former head coach Jerod Mayo, who was let go after a single season. Now, with Maye leading the charge, the Patriots look to extend their winning streak in an upcoming matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12.
Should Maye secure the MVP title, he would join the ranks of the youngest recipients in NFL history, trailing only Lamar Jackson and Jim Brown. The MVP award has recently been dominated by quarterbacks, with previous winners including Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, and Aaron Rodgers.
As the season progresses, Maye’s impressive performances continue to captivate fans and analysts alike. The enthusiasm surrounding his potential is palpable, with the Patriots gearing up for a strong finish this year. Fans are encouraged to stay updated on the latest developments through personalized newsletters from FOX Sports.
