As Drake Maye“s MVP case continues to strengthen, the New England Patriots quarterback remains humble, stating, “He doesn”t realize he”s a superstar.” Maye has a unique ability to combine intensity with charm, evident in his competitive nature during Ping-Pong games at the University of North Carolina, where coach Mack Brown once found a broken paddle following an intense match.
On Sunday in Foxborough, with just 11 seconds left in the first quarter, Maye disregarded the original play and adjusted to a second read. He faked a handoff to running back TreVeyon Henderson, then launched a deep pass down the right sideline, despite being hit hard by Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Yaya Diaby. Lying on the ground, Maye hoped the ball would find its way to receiver Kyle Williams, who raced 72 yards into the end zone. The crowd erupted with chants of “MVP, MVP.”
Even 1,300 miles from home and under pressure from rain and relentless blitzes from Todd Bowles, Maye”s electrifying performance this season has sparked MVP chants in a stadium where another quarterback had previously been touted as a candidate. The enthusiasm didn”t stop there; after a 54-yard completion to veteran receiver Mack Hollins on a crucial third down late in the fourth quarter, the chants returned. Despite his lowest completion percentage of the season, Maye”s leadership helped secure a 28-23 victory over a division rival, further solidifying his case with betting odds placing him at +300 for the MVP award, second only to Matthew Stafford.
Interestingly, the very chants that celebrate Maye as the “most valuable player” are met with reluctance from him. His primary focus is on team success rather than personal accolades. He expressed a similar sentiment during his time at UNC, where he requested that his name not be honored while still playing, believing it wouldn”t be fair to his teammates. “It just felt like if it was something they wanted to do, wait until after I”m done playing there,” he told Yahoo Sports. “The teammates around me played just as big a part as I did in making plays.”
In the NFL, Maye”s mindset remains unchanged. “Just playing quarterback, trying to be my authentic self,” he stated. “That”s more important than whatever noise is from the outside.” His humility is admirable, but it hasn”t escaped the notice of coaches and executives around the league, who continue to be impressed by his performance.
Maye”s impressive statistics speak for themselves. He ranks third in the league with 2,555 passing yards and 19 touchdowns through ten weeks, boasting a completion percentage of 71.7%, second only to Jared Goff. His +8.7% completion percentage over expectation places him behind Sam Darnold. Even though he faces pressure on a significant number of his throws, he has improved dramatically from the previous season, showcasing his growth as a player.
As Maye prepares to face the New York Jets this Thursday night, he reflects on his progress since his rookie debut. His previous performance against the Jets saw him struggle, but now he stands with a passer rating of 114.8. “That”s just Drake,” said coach Mack Brown, emphasizing Maye”s unawareness of his superstar status.
Maye”s leadership approach has evolved, especially with the Patriots, where he has embraced calling plays and communicating effectively with his receivers. This has fostered trust, demonstrated in connections made during practice and crucial games. His competitive spirit extends beyond the field, evident in his intense Ping-Pong matches with Hunter Henry, where he remains focused on winning.
As the Patriots gear up for their next game, Maye”s determination to improve and lead his team remains steadfast. He emphasizes the importance of every detail in preparation, knowing that success is a collective effort. As chants of “MVP” continue to follow him, Maye stays grounded, focusing on the team”s achievements rather than personal accolades.
