Drake Maye Draws MVP Comparisons Ahead of Falcons Clash
The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for a formidable challenge as they prepare to face the New England Patriots this Sunday. The Patriots, who have surged to five consecutive victories, are driven by the prowess of their quarterback, Drake Maye, who has quickly become a focal point for the team’s success.
Maye’s Rising Star
Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has drawn an intriguing parallel between Maye and the reigning NFL MVP, Josh Allen. “He feels like a mini-Josh Allen, like a younger Josh Allen in a lot of ways,” Ulbrich noted. “His mobility, his arm strength, the way he can take a game over with both facets of the game—he’s going to be a problem.” This comparison underscores the level of respect Maye commands as he leads the Patriots offense.
In his second season, Maye has showcased remarkable efficiency, completing 75.2% of his passes for a total of 2,026 yards, along with 15 touchdowns and just three interceptions. The Patriots currently rank third in the NFL for estimated points added per pass (EPA/pass) at +0.26, a testament to Maye’s impact on the field.
Athleticism and Playmaking Ability
Maye’s game transcends traditional quarterbacking. With 250 rushing yards to his name, his ability to extend plays adds a significant dimension to the Patriots’ offense. Falcons safety Jessie Bates emphasized this dual-threat capability, stating, “He’s extending plays, but also he’s keeping his eyes down the field as well.”
While Maye may not boast the same imposing physicality as Allen, he possesses a game-breaking ability that mirrors the MVP’s style. “He can move around,” remarked head coach Raheem Morris. “They’re very big. They’re fast. They’re mobile. So, you’ve got to prepare those guys the same way you did. You’ve got to treat those guys very similarly.”
A Tough Test for the Falcons
As the Falcons prepare for this encounter, they recognize the formidable challenge posed by Maye. The young quarterback has been a key playmaker for the Patriots, and the Falcons will need to devise a strategy to contain him effectively. In the current NFL MVP odds on DraftKings, Maye ranks third with odds of +500, trailing only Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.
Ulbrich summed up the challenge ahead succinctly: “That’s a tremendous challenge. They’ve been tremendously physical and tough, and efficient on offense. And they’re catering to this quarterback, too, as far as giving easy completions, easy reads. He’s doing a good job.”
As these two teams prepare to clash, the stakes are high. Kickoff is set for Sunday at 1 p.m. at Gillette Stadium, where both the Falcons and Patriots will look to make a statement.
