The NY Jets not only need to hope that Justin Fields can live up to his potential as their starting quarterback in 2025, but they also need to cross their fingers and pray that 2025 is another year of development for the hated rival New England Patriots and quarterback Drake Maye.
Maye had some up-and-down moments on a terrible team last year, but his solid production and the improved supporting cast around him have many wondering if the Patriots' next franchise quarterback is being birthed right in front of our very eyes.
This may be a case of putting the cart before the horse slightly. With Mike Vrabel coming to town after Jerod Mayo was canned, it seems like Maye is taking more time to get adjusted to his style of coaching and offensive philosophy than most expected.
Maye finished this practice by going 11-17 and throwing four interceptions, all of which came in a six-play span and two of which were picked off by Christian Gonzalez. It seems like it might take time for him to figure out Josh McDaniels' offense.
Jets fans can laugh at Drake Maye after throwing four interceptions in six plays
The Patriots will be much better in 2025 than they were in the last two seasons, even if you take Vrabel out of the equation. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs and $104 million man Milton Williams on the defensive side will boost this lackluster roster. Their 2025 NFL Draft class, led by Will Campbell and TreVeyon Henderson, was universally regarded as strong.
However, Maye is going to determine how high the ceiling is. While the arm talent is undeniable and his production on what was a black hole of offensive talent last year was noteworthy, he does have some turnover issues and inconsistency that he needs to get ironed out.
Maye starting the year with a case of turnover-itis could be all the Jets need to beat them out and finish above them in the standings. The Patriots have one of the easiest schedules in the league, which means the Jets must hope that any slight disadvantage knocks New England down the standings.
The Jets likely aren't winning too many games, which means they will have to spend yet another year trying their best to prey on New England's misfortune. Maye has been giving them a lot of ammo to mock early on in the offseason.