As the New England Patriots prepare for Super Bowl 60, quarterback Drake Maye finds himself in the spotlight, drawing inevitable comparisons to Tom Brady. Both quarterbacks led the Patriots to the Super Bowl during their second NFL seasons, but the circumstances and performances reveal distinct narratives.
Maye, selected third overall in the draft, has had a stellar Year 2, showcasing exceptional passing and rushing statistics. He started every game this season, a significant improvement over Brady”s initial campaign in which he stepped in for an injured Drew Bledsoe. However, the ultimate measure of success will hinge on playoff outcomes.
While Maye”s regular season was impressive, his postseason performance will determine how closely he can align with Brady”s legacy. Brady”s reputation as the greatest of all time was solidified through his remarkable playoff displays, culminating in six championships across nine Super Bowl appearances.
As Maye leads the Patriots into their playoff journey, a comparison of their paths through the postseason presents intriguing insights. In the current playoffs, Maye has directed his team to outscore opponents by 28 points, in stark contrast to Brady”s 2002 playoff run, where the Patriots only managed to outscore rivals by three points.
Examining their playoff statistics reveals interesting contrasts. In the 2026 playoffs, Maye has completed 43 of 77 passes for 533 yards, with four touchdowns and two interceptions, achieving a passer rating of 84.0. In comparison, Brady”s playoff stats in 2002 included 60 completions on 97 attempts for 572 yards, just one touchdown, and a passer rating of 77.3.
Both quarterbacks led their teams as the second seed in the AFC playoffs, but the formats were different. The 2001-2002 Patriots benefited from a bye week, while Maye”s team had to win four games to secure the Super Bowl title.
Maye”s path involved victories over the No. 7 Los Angeles Chargers and the No. 5 Houston Texans before defeating the top-seeded Denver Broncos. His performance has been characterized by a mix of effective passing and significant rushing contributions, setting him apart in this playoff campaign.
Critics may point to the Patriots scoring only 54 points in this year”s playoffs, yet it”s worth noting that Brady”s Patriots scored just 60 points in their three playoff games back in 2002.
Looking at the challenges each faced, Maye”s 2025 Patriots posted a 14-3 record, while Brady”s team finished 11-5. The competition Maye encountered was formidable, with the Broncos, Texans, and Chargers collectively amassing a strong record. Brady”s earlier opponents, however, had a combined record that suggested a less challenging route.
In the upcoming Super Bowl, Maye will have the chance to distinguish himself further. Brady earned the Super Bowl 36 MVP title by leading a pivotal drive against the St. Louis Rams, but he did so with modest passing stats. For Maye to secure a similar accolade, he must avoid turnovers while making impactful plays.
If Maye can replicate Brady”s ability to perform in clutch moments, he will not only elevate his own status but also leave no doubt about his superiority in this early playoff journey compared to the legendary quarterback.
