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Drake Maye’s Deep-Ball Surge Propels Patriots to 4-2, Draws Top-10 Praise

Analysts point to elite downfield efficiency as the catalyst for New England's offensive revival.

Overview

  • ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky labeled Maye a top-10 quarterback, citing a 20-of-27 mark on throws traveling 30-plus yards in the air.
  • Per PFF, Maye owns a 99.7 deep-pass grade with a league-best 75% completion rate and a near-perfect 156.3 passer rating on 20-plus-yard attempts.
  • Through six games, Maye has completed 73.2% of his passes for 1,522 yards with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions, powering a three-game win streak to 4-2 and first place in the AFC East.
  • A reworked offensive line ranks third in PFF pass-blocking efficiency, helping boost Maye’s time to sack to 4.44 seconds after ranking near the bottom last season.
  • Kayshon Boutte has emerged as a reliable vertical option with a 78.3% catch rate and a 16.1-yard average depth of target, while a 53-yard touchdown to DeMario Douglas highlighted recent downfield success despite two long gains wiped out by offensive pass interference.