With the Patriots on their bye this week, we figured it was a good time to revisit some of QB Drake Maye’s top plays, the current frontrunner to win NFL MVP in his second season.
Along with leading the Patriots to an NFL-best 11-2 record, Maye is pacing the league in almost every statistical category. In the traditional stats, Maye leads the NFL in completion percentage (71.5%), passing yards (3,412), and passer rating (111.9). As for the advanced metrics, Maye leads all quarterbacks in total expected points added (+101.1) and completion percentage over expectation (+8.2%).
The Patriots quarterback is also tied for third with 22 big-time throws this season, trailing only Rams QB Matthew Stafford (26) and Seahawks QB Sam Darnold (25). As tracked by Pro Football Focus, big-time throws are those jaw-dropping passes – you know it when you see it. Plus, Maye is making high-level throws without putting the ball in danger, posting the seventh-best turnover-worthy play rate (2.6%) despite averaging 9.2 air yards per attempt (fifth in the NFL).
By the numbers, Maye has been the league’s best passer in the first 13 weeks of the season. The combination of big-time throws, few turnover-worthy plays, and league-best efficiency while leading the Patriots on a 10-game winning streak is why Maye is squarely in the MVP conversation. Let’s break down his best throws so far this season.
1. Off-Platform Dime to Stefon Diggs for 32 Yards vs. the Bills, Week 5
Completion Probability: 24.3%, Air Distance: 38.0 yards