Patriots fans, it’s time for some optimism: the team has found a potential franchise quarterback in Drake Maye.
In his first season as head coach, Jerod Mayo’s journey has been a turbulent one, but Maye has swiftly become the team’s standout player. On Sunday, Maye led the Patriots to a 19-3 victory over the Chicago Bears, earning his first official win as a starter. Though he was technically credited with a win against the Jets earlier in the season, this victory marks his true breakout.
Even with a season full of struggles, the Patriots can take solace in the fact that they’ve found their quarterback. In a rebuilding phase, discovering a player who can lead the team going forward is a monumental step.
Drafted third overall, Maye is already showing potential as the future face of the franchise. With numerous holes still present on the roster, the team’s final record this season is less important than having a quarterback they can build around. Despite a 3-7 record, it would be surprising if Maye doesn’t continue to improve and help bring in more wins. Even if wins don’t come right away, having a quarterback with true potential is a significant win in itself.
Looking around the league, many teams have spent years searching for a quarterback. The Jets are a prime example of that struggle. If Maye turns out to be the long-term answer for the Patriots, it would be a major step in the right direction.
Maye has quickly become the most intriguing reason to tune into Patriots games each week. Watching his development feels like witnessing the rise of a young star who has both the skills and the leadership to become a top-tier quarterback.
Though still growing in the role, Maye has already proven himself to be the best quarterback option for the Patriots. In just six games, he’s outpaced veteran Jacoby Brissett in passing yards, touchdowns, and completion percentage. His ability to make plays with his legs, averaging 9.3 yards per rush, adds a dynamic element to the Patriots’ offense.
That said, Maye is still a work in progress. He’s been prone to turnovers, throwing five interceptions and committing seven turnovers in five starts. His interception against the Bears was a reminder that there’s still room for improvement. He also needs to work on avoiding hits, as evidenced by the concussion he sustained earlier this season.
Despite these setbacks, Maye’s potential is clear. Mayo has acknowledged that mistakes are a natural part of the development process and a crucial aspect of Maye’s growth.
While the Patriots’ offense continues to rank near the bottom of the league in points and yards, this is more reflective of the overall roster issues than Maye’s performance. The future looks promising, as Maye is displaying the type of playmaking ability that’s often seen in elite quarterbacks. Tight end Austin Hooper praised Maye for his ability to throw receivers open, a skill only the best quarterbacks have.
One of Maye’s standout plays came when he nearly threw a touchdown to K.J. Osborn while scrambling out of bounds against the Bears, showcasing both his physical ability and mental toughness.
Mayo has spoken highly of Maye’s character, noting his level-headedness, intelligence, and competitive nature—traits that make him an ideal leader for the Patriots. While the team’s win-loss record wasn’t the primary measure of success this season, finding a quarterback who could be the cornerstone of the franchise is the most important takeaway.
The biggest victory the Patriots can claim this season isn’t reflected in their win-loss column, but in finding a quarterback to build their future around. Maye’s continued development will serve as the foundation for the team’s future success.
