In the NFL, the 2023 season has brought significant attention to Drake Maye and the New England Patriots. Currently, the team boasts a 13-3 record, tying them for the best in the American Football Conference (AFC). This is a notable turnaround after two consecutive seasons of only four wins.
Drake Maye’s Stellar Performance
Quarterback Drake Maye is a strong contender for the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. He leads the NFL with an impressive passer rating of 112.9 and completion percentage. Additionally, he ranks fourth in passing yards with 4,203 and is tied for third in passing touchdowns at 30.
Criticism of the Patriots’ Schedule
Despite their success, Maye and the Patriots face criticism for having an “easy” schedule. The team’s strength of schedule stands at .383, the lowest in the NFL. Their strength of victory is also under scrutiny, recording .365, second only to the Denver Broncos at .356.
Maye Responds to Critics
On Wednesday, Maye addressed the ongoing criticism. He emphasized, “We play in the National Football League. Every team’s got great players. They get paid a lot of money.” He acknowledged that the Patriots do not control their schedule, which is determined by the NFL, and added that many teams on their list are capable opponents.
Overview of Opponents
This season, the Patriots have played several teams with disappointing records, including:
- Tennessee: 3-13
- New Orleans: 6-10
- Cleveland: 4-12
- New York Jets: 3-13
- New York Giants: 3-13
- Cincinnati: 6-10
They also faced playoff contenders such as the Buffalo Bills (twice), Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Baltimore Ravens.
The MVP Race: Maye vs. Stafford
The discussion surrounding Maye has gained traction, especially when compared to Matthew Stafford, another leading MVP candidate. Maye expressed admiration for Stafford’s skills, recalling, “I’ve watched him on tape a lot… He’s special with the football.” This rivalry continues to intensify as both players strive for the coveted MVP title.
In summary, while the Patriots have excelled this season, the debate over the difficulty of their schedule remains a focal point in discussions about Maye’s MVP candidacy.
