At a Glance
- Drake Maye throws five TD passes in a 42-10 win over the Jets.
- Patriots improve to 13-3 and clinch the AFC East for the first time since 2019.
- Fans chant “MVP!” as Maye becomes a leading candidate for the league’s top award.
- Why it matters: Maye’s explosive performance and the Patriots’ division title highlight a season of resurgence and MVP buzz.
After a dominant 42-10 victory over the New York Jets, rookie quarterback Drake Maye stole the spotlight with a career-high five touchdown passes. His play not only propelled the Patriots to a 13-3 record and the AFC East crown but also ignited a growing MVP conversation among fans and analysts alike.
Game Highlights
Maye completed 19 of 21 passes for 256 yards and a 157.0 quarterback rating. He tossed touchdowns to Rhamondre Stevenson, Stefon Diggs, Austin Hooper, Hunter Henry and Efton Chism III, and he was the first player in NFL history to hit 90 % completion while throwing for 250+ yards and five TDs in a single game.
- Rhamondre Stevenson
- Stefon Diggs
- Austin Hooper
- Hunter Henry
- Efton Chism III
MVP Hype
With fans chanting “MVP!” at the tunnel and the media speculating, Maye’s season has become a focal point for the award. He has already earned two Pro Bowl selections and joined Tom Brady and Drew Bledsoe as the only Patriots to reach 4,000 passing yards in a season, with 4,203 yards, 30 TDs, and just eight interceptions.
Coach Mike Vrabel said:
> “They don’t give me a vote,” “but there is nobody else we want as our quarterback or that I want as our quarterback.”
Safety Jaylinn Hawkins said:
> “We want to get the ball in his hands as much as we can,” “He makes it happen. He’s out there just doing what he does, having fun. He’s confident, he’s playing with swag.”
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez said:
> “He goes out there and shows it every week,” “I think that’s something he’s earned.”
Drake Maye said:
> “Guys getting open, guys running the right routes,” “The guys up front blocking their butts off to give me time to make plays and extend plays and find guys down the field.”
Drake Maye added:
> “Whatever it takes to win,” “That’s the most important thing. The only thing I care about is our won-loss record. We still have work to do and some games ahead that should be fun.”
Drake Maye reflected:
> “It’s pretty funny looking back,” “The stadium was pumped for that Thursday night game and it’s kind of a full-circle moment just of how far we’ve come and kind of the flip side of things – this year compared to last and how much fun we’re having out there.”
Stevenson said:
> “He goes in there with a mindset,” “Wednesday is our first day of practice. He kind of wants to win the game on Wednesday and throughout the week until he gets to Sunday. That’s a big thing for him and the team, putting our best foot forward in practice and reaping the rewards on Sunday.”
Season Context
The Patriots’ 13-3 finish marks a turnaround from consecutive 4-13 seasons and the first AFC East title since 2019. Maye’s breakout year follows a solid rookie campaign and positions him as one of the league’s most valuable playmakers.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Touchdown passes (game) | 5 |
| Completion % (game) | 90% |
| Yards (game) | 256 |
| Quarterback rating (game) | 157.0 |
| Season passing yards | 4,203 |
| Season TD passes | 30 |
| Season interceptions | 8 |
Matthew Stafford of the Rams is considered Maye’s biggest competition for the award, with other contenders including Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence and Justin Herbert.
Key Takeaways
- Maye’s five-TD performance cemented his MVP candidacy.
- Patriots’ 13-3 record and AFC East title signal a franchise turnaround.
- Fans and coaches alike back Maye, who has already earned two Pro Bowl selections and 4,203 season yards.
With the season still in motion, Maye’s explosive play and the Patriots’ resurgence keep the MVP debate alive and the AFC East title firmly in New England’s grasp.
