A new era is starting in Foxborough. Drake Maye has taken charge of the New England Patriots, surprising many in the 2025 NFL season. They sit second in the AFC, right behind the strong Indianapolis Colts. As the wins keep coming, a question that seemed impossible to ask in New England is being raised again: Are the Patriots back among the elite?
Oct 5, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) walks off the field against the Buffalo Bills after the game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
The Patriots picked Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.. Maye has been calm and commanding, which has gotten everyone in the Gillette Stadium believing once again in only seven games. At 23, the man has shown the poise of a veteran, controlling the offense with extraordinary efficiency and providing a modern dual-threat component that the Patriots did not have in years.
The most unambiguous indication that Maye is good and talented was his recent performance against the Tennessee Titans. Maye started his game with 221 yards and two touchdowns at Nissan Stadium. On eight attempts, he also gained 62 yards. This saw him become only the second quarterback in team history to record a game and more than 200 passing yards with a passer rating of over 135.
Maye made NFL history by being the first player in the Super Bowl era to complete at least 90% of his passes and run for more than 50 yards in a single game. He also became the first Patriots quarterback to complete over 90% of his passes with at least 20 attempts.
Those numbers underscore how Maye’s arm strength and mobility combination have changed the Patriots’ offensive identity.. Maye has delivered multiple touchdown passes exceeding 50 yards through the air, giving New England a newfound explosiveness.
With Maye’s confidence growing weekly and the Patriots executing with balance and belief, New England suddenly looks less like a team searching for its future and more like a contender rediscovering its championship DNA.
Drake Maye hasn’t just replaced Tom Brady’s shadow, he’s creating a new one.