Much of the 2025 Patriots campaign was billed as being a referendum on Drake Maye.
Do they have the guy? Or not?
Is Maye the real deal? Can he adapt to Josh McDaniels’ complex offense?
More important, can he elevate a team that might not be as talent-laden as others?
Six games in, the Patriots, New England, and beyond have their answer.
Maye is the guy. He is the real deal.
Grasping McDaniels’ offense? No problem.
And, best of all, Maye is so darn good, he can lift a team, and lead them to wins.
He has that clutch gene.
That’s what we’ve seen the past two weeks. That’s the Maye that’s been on display against Buffalo, and Sunday, in New Orleans.
While some might think it’s too early to make a definitive call on Maye, this is one of those know it when you see it propositions.
He’s been so good in the gotta-have-it moments, it’s hard not to think he has what it takes to lead the Patriots not only back into relevance - they’re now 4-2 with a three-game win streak - but beyond.
During the game-winning drive in Buffalo last week, between his Houdini escape and throw to Stefon Diggs for a 12-yard gain to start the drive, to the 19-yard pass to Kayshon Boutte to set up the eventual game-winning field goal from Andy Borregales, Maye was money.
That carried over into New Orleans, where the Patriots prevailed 25-19 to continue their winning roll, not to mention validate their upset win in Buffalo.
Maye, who was forced to wear the cape thanks to having an anemic run game, was a difference-maker in every sense of the word.
After a lights out first half (11 for 13, 185 yards, 3 TDs, perfect passer rating), the game came down to a late fourth quarter possession.
The Saints just wouldn’t go away. Up six with the ball on the 21-yard line, with 3:43 to play, Maye needed to close out the game.
Did he ever.
He first moved the sticks with a 7-yard pass to Boutte to advance to the 31.
Two plays later, he was faced with a 3rd-and-11 with 2:40 to go, and Saints having burned all of their timeouts.
Maye, in the shotgun, took the snap, and without hesitation, delivered a perfect over-the-shoulder throw to Boutte down the left sideline for 21 yards.
First down. Game over.
“We worked on that (play) every day in practice. Before practice, and after practice,” Boutte said. “As long as we trust in each other, anything is possible.”
At different points, Maye has shown a trust in all of his receivers from Diggs, to Boutte, to Mack Hollins, and finally, DeMario Douglas.
That applies to tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper as well.
Rookie Kyle Williams hasn’t been in the main mix just yet, but he drew a penalty Sunday on one of his targeted passes.
If a Patriots receiver gets open, Maye will typically find him.
Against the Saints, he spread the ball around to seven different receivers with Boutte (5 catches, 93 yards, 2 TDs) leading the charge. Last week in Buffalo, it was Diggs (10 catches, 146 yards). Two weeks before that, it was Henry (8 catches, 90 yards, 2 TDs).
“I think (Maye) trusts all of us,” Boutte said. “I think that’s the biggest thing in an efficient offense. A quarterback trusting his receivers to make plays.
“And sometimes when we’re not open and when the coverage is cloudy, he makes plays himself, too. We trust that he can run with the ball and get the first, and he did get a couple of firsts in critical situations. So just trusting each other can go a long way.”
The past few weeks, Maye has also proven to be steady, poised, and deadly under pressure.
The offensive line didn’t have one of its better games in New Orleans, but the Patriots quarterback refused to play victim.
Maye was able to dodge, avoid, and step up against the pressure. Of late, he has shown a great feel in the pocket.
He hasn’t turned the ball over the past three weeks. Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels haven’t been afraid to put the ball in his hands to make plays in critical situations.
And Maye hasn’t disappointed. His decision-making has been spot on.
“I think it’s just trying to prove it over and over again, you know, be consistent with that,” Maye said. “Be known to be smart with the football.”
Some may have cringed when he switched hands to throw a ball out of bounds with his left hand to avoid a sack. They may have had a nervous breakdown when Maye somehow pitched the ball to TreVeyon Henderson as the quarterback was immersed by Saints jerseys, but his knack for keeping plays alive, and ability in the pocket are part of what makes him special.
Living on the edge - for a few plays a game - is part of his charm.
He remains near the top in every important offensive category for quarterbacks, and has thrust himself into the early MVP conversation.
And if that’s not enough to convince people the Patriots are locked in at the most important position, Maye more than passes the eye test.
He crushes it.
The Patriots have the type of quarterback who makes you believe anything is possible.
The players certainly believe that’s the case.
“Man, he’s a competitor,” cornerback Marcus Jones said. “When we practice, defense does their thing, offense does their thing, so we see it.”
They see a star who is capable of leading them to places the Patriots haven’t been since No. 12 was under center.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.