The New England Patriots delivered a statement performance Sunday with a 32-13 victory over the Cleveland Browns at Foxborough.
The win pushed their record to 6-2 and extended their winning streak to five games as they claimed sole possession of first place in the AFC East.
It marks the first time New England has led the division since Tom Brady‘s departure five years ago, a milestone carrying significant weight for a franchise still navigating life after its greatest era.
Rookie quarterback Drake Maye has emerged as the driving force behind this resurgence.
Even Brady has taken notice of his successor’s development.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion recently offered high praise for Maye’s approach to the position.
“Well, I think he’s obviously very smart and detailed. I always appreciate the quarterbacks in the NFL that read coverages, throw to the open guy, play on time, play on rhythm in the pass game. Josh [McDaniels] is just so good at instructing him in that way. And, he’s really doing it,” Brady said, via Carlos A. Lopez.
Tom Brady on #Patriots QB Drake Maye:
“Well, I think he’s obviously very smart and detailed. I always appreciate the quarterbacks in the NFL that read coverages, throw to the open guy, play on time… Josh [McDaniels] is just so good at instructing him in that way.”
(🎥 @SInow) pic.twitter.com/zWWXfvTHsq
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) October 27, 2025
Following in Brady’s footsteps presents a unique challenge for any quarterback.
The standard set during his two decades in New England included seven championships and countless records that redefined the position.
Maye has approached that pressure without hesitation, delivering consistently strong performances through the season’s first half.
Through eight starts, the rookie has accumulated 2,026 passing yards with 15 touchdowns against just three interceptions.
The Patriots appear to have identified their long-term answer at quarterback.
Maye’s early production suggests New England may have successfully transitioned into its next era, building around a young signal-caller capable of restoring the franchise to Super Bowl contention.
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