Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is now slowing down from his torrid pace of improvement this season.
The 2024 first-round pick has now strung together [three straight wins](https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/10/12/what-we-learned-best-and-worst-from-patriots-25-19-week-6-win-over-saints/) to improve the Patriots’ record to 4-2 on the season, and he ranks in the top 10 of most major passing categories.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was asked on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show” about who deserves the most credit for Maye’s improvement.
“Well, I would say that the credit goes to Drake,” Vrabel said. “That’s what it always goes to. It’s not going to go to anybody other than the player that’s doing that and improving and understanding and making the plays. His ability to throw off-platform and extend and keep his eyes downfield. There were some things that we asked him to work on, that (offensive coordinator) Josh (McDaniels) and (quarterbacks coach) Ashton (Grant) asked him to work on coming out of Buffalo. I felt like he tried to do that.
“And then I think that that’s when quarterbacks can feel the rush, but also see downfield and see things develop, that that can be deadly. Just, it’s hard to defend that, as opposed to guys that you see when they drop down. Their eyes go down to the rush. Now they can’t see guys open up and come free on the third level. So I think his receivers, I think he trusts those guys. I think he trusts to spread it around. I think he doesn’t mind giving them a chance and putting it in some place where only they can get it. And so I think that that’s a great combination between Drake’s personal development and trust in the receivers.”
Maye was 18-of-26 for 261 yards with three touchdowns in Sunday’s 25-19 win over the Saints. For the third consecutive game and fouth time overall this season, Maye didn’t have any turnovers. He also rushed six times for 24 yards.
Vrabel was also asked about Maye’s connectiong with McDaniels, who was brought back to the Patriots this offseason to run the offense.
“II think the relationship is great,” Vrabel said. “I think we have a young quarterback coach that we feel very strongly about in Ashton Grant, and I think he serves a different purpose than Josh. Josh has one relationship with the quarterbacks, and I think Ashton has another. And I think that’s a good dynamic. I think Josh continues to put things on their plate, especially Drake, and give him things to look for, look at, and continue to develop.”
Maye proved this week that he’s not just locking in with wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who is coming off of two straight 100-yard performances. Wideout Kayshon Boutte caught five passes for 93 yards with two touchdowns, and slot receiver DeMario Douglas caught two passes for 71 yards with a score. He also had a 61-yard touchdown erased by officiating.