Drake Maye is NFL’s Most Fearless QB Right Now

Drake Maye led the New England Patriots to a Super Bowl appearance last year. He led the league in pass completion percentage (72%), yards per throw (8.9), and passer rating (113.5). He contributed 35 total touchdowns and 8 interceptions. Maye put up those numbers while playing on the easiest schedule.

His numbers were bound to take a hit facing the sixth-hardest schedule in 2026, and they did. After seven games, Maye has 141 completions (65.9%) for 1784 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions (the same as the entire last year).

Maye and the Patriots started the year with two defeats in three games. Calls mounted for Mike Vrabel to make changes, but he trusted Maye. Then, the Patriots won the next three games.

Last Thursday, the Patriots faced the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Bears won thanks to a stellar outing by their quarterback Caleb Williams. However, Maye’s performance didn’t go unnoticed either. Chicago head coach Ben Johnson admitted both quarterbacks fought tooth and nail.

It felt like it was a little bit back and forth there for a while. Just watching Drake Maye play, I mean, he’s an outstanding player. It’s very hard to bottle him up. You only rush four, and he finds a way. If he doesn’t see anything down the field, he’ll find an open gap and skirt on through.

Ben Johnson said during the post-game press conference

The Chicago Bears’ head coach didn’t stop there. Johnson explained what else Maye did well that was very effective.

I think what’s really impressive is how he can find these little outlets and these dumps where they’re still running vertical for catch-and-run opportunities. I think they had a number of those tonight. It’s really effective. You can tell he’s kinda caught his rhythm now at this part of the season and will probably continue to do that.

Ben Johnson said during the post-game press conference

Ben Johnson on the hard fought battle between #Patriots QB Drake Maye and Bears QB Caleb Williams: “It felt like it was a little bit back and forth there for a while. Just watching Drake Maye play, I mean, he’s an outstanding player. It’s very hard to bottle him up. You only rush four, and he finds a way. If he doesn’t see anything down the field, he’ll find an open gap and skirt on through. I think what’s really impressive is how he can find these little outlets and these dumps where they’re still running vertical for catch-and-run opportunities. I think they had a number of those tonight. It’s really effective. You can tell he’s kinda caught his rhythm now at this part of the season and will probably continue to do that.” (🎥 @ChicagoBears)

— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) October 23, 2026

Next Gen Stats backed up Johnson’s observation. Chicago pressured the former third overall draft pick on 42.9% of his dropbacks, but he still completed 11 of his 12 passes for 151 yards and one touchdown. Maye finished with 321 yards and 2 touchdowns. The interception tipped the game in Chicago’s favor.

Drake Maye was under pressure on 42.9% of his dropbacks against Chicago and still played some of his best football when the pocket collapsed. Under pressure: • 11/12 passing (91.7%) • 151 yards • 1 TD That 91.7% completion rate ties the highest single-game mark under pressure in the NFL this season. 321 yards, 2 TDs, and a loss. Maye deserved better.

— Pete Collins (@Pete_Collins_) October 23, 2026

Drake Maye also leads all the starting quarterbacks in explosive throws. Since the start of the 2025 season, Maye has thrown 172 explosive throws, twenty more than the next most (Trevor Lawrence with 152).

So, he hasn’t forgotten how to throw a football. They have faced better defenses. Despite that, Maye defeated teams like the Bills, Raiders, and Steelers before the bye.

Most explosive passes since the start of last season (15+ yards) Drake Maye 172 Trevor Lawrence 152 Matthew Stafford 151 Josh Allen 148 Jared Goff 141 https://t.co/0DOIXVBDVN

— PFF (@PFF) October 23, 2026

Drake Maye needs better protection

Quarterbacks earn the most money in football as they are the backbone of a team. But quarterbacks can’t play their natural game behind poor protection. Drake Maye has been dealing with it ever since taking his first snap in the league.

Maye was sacked 34 times in his rookie year, 47 times during the Super Bowl run. In the three postseason outings, he was sacked a record 21 times, lost seven, and fumbled four.

The Patriots signed Alijah Vera-Tucker from free agency and relied on former first-round draft pick Will Campbell to protect Maye.

Jared Wilson, Ben Browns, and Morgan Moses made up the line in front of the two-time Pro Bowler. However, Maye has already been sacked 13 times, fumbled five, and lost two.

.@danbahl: The Patriots need their interior offensive line to get healthy and improve in a hurry because they simply can’t run the ball right now. https://t.co/Aj4OzTejRc

— WEEI (@WEEI) October 23, 2026

According to Pro Football Focus, the Patriots offensive line ranks 27th-best or fifth-worst after seven games. ESPN’s hypothetical trade sends Commanders veteran offensive lineman Andrew Wylie and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Patriots in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Mike Vrabel should make this move happen to improve the O-line or risk missing out on playoff qualification.

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