Quarterback Drake Maye showcased his exceptional skills on Thursday night, guiding the New England Patriots to their eighth consecutive victory with a decisive 27-14 win over the New York Jets. This performance has not only solidified the Patriots’ position at the top of the AFC East with a record of 9-2 but has also sparked conversations about Maye’s candidacy for the NFL MVP award.
Maye’s dominance was evident throughout the game. He completed 25 of 32 passes, achieving a remarkable completion percentage of 73.5%. Accumulating 281 passing yards along with one touchdown, he posted a quarterback rating of 107.6. This marked his fourth consecutive game with over 250 passing yards, and through the first 11 games of the season, he leads the league with 2,836 passing yards and has thrown 20 touchdowns against just five interceptions.
Colin Cowherd Highlights Maye’s Impact
During a segment on FOX Sports’ “The Herd,” commentator Colin Cowherd praised Maye’s pivotal role in the Patriots’ success. Cowherd asserted that Maye’s play is the primary driver behind the team’s winning streak, advocating for the 23-year-old quarterback’s MVP candidacy. He emphasized that “winning games comes down to your quarterback making five, six, seven throws or decisions,” underscoring Maye’s high-level execution and ability to perform under pressure.
Cowherd also noted Maye’s impressive completion rate of 78% on first downs, including a stellar 9-for-11 performance during the Jets game. He highlighted the quarterback’s diverse skill set, including jump passes and sideline throws, that distinguish him from others in the league. Cowherd likened Maye’s potential to that of Tom Brady, suggesting that Maye is a more athletic version capable of making comparable plays.
With the Patriots’ resurgence under Maye, the team’s future looks increasingly promising. The stark contrast to last season’s struggles, where they finished with a 4-13 record under former coach Jerod Mayo, emphasizes how much has changed since Maye took the helm.
Looking Ahead: Bengals Challenge Awaits
As the season progresses, the Patriots will face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12, presenting another opportunity to extend their winning streak. The NFL MVP award has frequently been awarded to quarterbacks, with notable recent winners including Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes. Should Maye secure the MVP title, he would join Mahomes as the third-youngest recipient in history, following Jackson and Jim Brown, who won the award at the age of 21 in 1957.
Maye’s achievements to date have transformed the Patriots’ prospects, captivating fans and analysts alike. His performance has not only enhanced his individual profile but has also energized the franchise, making him a key player as the team aims for a deep playoff run. The excitement surrounding Maye and the Patriots continues to build, with fans eager to witness what the remainder of the season holds.