Drake Maye
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New England Patriots QB Drake Maye has been warned two worrying trends will harm his MVP chances.
Many believe he’s playing at an MVP level, but New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has been warned about two worrying trends emerging in his recent performances that could sink his chances of winning the NFL’s prestigious award.
The warning comes from Pro Football Focus analyst Bradley Locker, who pointed out Maye has “churned out just a 67.4 overall PFF grade in his last three games, with six big-time throws to five turnover-worthy plays.”
Locker believes Maye will have to revert to his early season form if he’s going “to beat out his NFC West foes” for the award. Those “foes” are fellow quarterbacks, Seattle Seahawks starter Sam Darnold and Los Angeles Rams veteran Matthew Stafford.
Maye will be in the conversation for MVP, even though he’s staying humble about his chances, but the Patriots are going to be more concerned about any decline in his play before awards season. A dip in big plays through the air would stall the momentum of what has been a red-hot offense in recent weeks.
Similarly, an increase in what Loocker dubbed “turnover-worthy plays” would derail the Patriots playoff push and eat into their lead in the AFC East. Maye knows he takes chances, but he’s not prepared to change his gung-ho approach, so he must continue delivering “big-time throws” to justify the risks he’ll take.
Drake Maye Can Still Take His Game Up a Level
Fortunately, there’s good reason to believe Maye can push the ball vertically more often and with more success. His chances are boosted by the dynamic athletes among his wide receiver corps.
Specifically, Maye has already formed a strong bond with four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs. The 31-year-old is still playing at a high level by snatching 59 catches for 659 yards and three touchdowns this season.
Diggs’ production also includes averaging 11.2 yards per reception. It’s ample proof of how effectively Maye is attacking coverage deep.
Further evidence Maye can continue manufacturing chunk plays comes from the presence of rookie wideout Kyle Williams. The latter has been identified by Maye as a legitimate field-stretcher, after the third-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft burned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for this 72-yard touchdown in Week 10.
Williams’ blazing speed after the catch ought to earn him a bigger role in the Patriots’ passing game. That would be good news for Maye’s MVP campaign, but the second-year signal-caller still needs to clean up another worrying issue.
Patriots Need Drake Maye to Fix Key Flaw
Efficiency is near the top of the checklist for any QB1 who’s going to win consistently in the pros. Maye is winning this season, but he’s also turning the ball over at a concerning rate.
The third-overall pick a year ago has been guilty of throwing five interceptions and fumbling six times. Some of those takeaways proved costly and even drew the ire of head coach Mike Vrabel.
To his credit, Maye knows he can be reckless when extending plays. His frustration with the issue underscores the fine line the Patriots must walk with Maye.
They wouldn’t be 9-2 without his talents, but it’s not a stretch to envisage Maye’s penchant for risky throws and sketchy ball security costing the Patriots in key moments and big games. If that happens, Maye’s MVP cause will also be fatally damaged.