New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is taking a second-year leap. Still less than two months past his 23rd birthday, Maye is looking like one of the most talented QBs in the National Football League. The most recent indication of his stardom was a three-touchdown performance in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints. Maye was 18-of-26 in the air for 261 yards. He garnered a 140.1 QBR in the 25-19 win over the Saints, who were notably impressed by Maye.
Maye now has 10 passing TDs to two interceptions on the season. He has 1,522 passing yards, fifth in the NFL. His 72.0 QBR is seventh in the NFL. Yes, it does appear that the Patriots have — after a handful of rocky years — finally landed a quarterback worthy of creating something new and exciting in the post-Tom Brady era.
Patriots fans know that a huge part of what made Brady so dominant was his pocket-presence. And according to New England head coach Mike Vrabel, Maye is exhibiting some impressive pocket presence of his own.
Vrabel told The Greg Hill Show in the wake of New England’s Week 6 victory that Maye can feel the rush while seeing things downfield, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
"When quarterbacks can feel the rush, but also see downfield and see things develop, that can be deadly."— Mike Vrabel, to @TheGregHillShow, when asked about QB Drake Maye (who had 3 TD on passes 20+ yards downfield in win over the Saints)— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 13, 2025
Maye’s pocket presence hasn’t always looked refined, but again, he’s 23 years old. We are looking at a young QB who should only get more comfortable feeling the rush over the next decade or more.
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What’s particularly exciting about Maye is his athleticism, which allows him to keep defenses honest with his legs in a way that Pats fans never experienced with Brady or Drew Bledsoe.
It took a few years of confusion following Brady’s departure, but the Pats have found their third franchise quarterback in the last 30 years.
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There was Bledsoe. There was Brady. And now there is Maye.