FOXBORO — It’s essential to confess if you’re flawed.
Previous to Week 5, we wrote within the Boston Herald that it might be unfair to match Drake Maye in Yr 2 to Josh Allen in Yr 8.
Whoops.
Maye has made the comparability nearer than most individuals probably might have imagined this season whereas taking part in at an MVP-caliber level.
We spent the lead-up to the Patriots’ Week 5 win over the Payments evaluating Maye and Allen at related factors of their profession, as a result of that did appear honest. Allen actually took till Yr 3 to develop into the Payments quarterback we all know right now. Maye has taken his leap a 12 months sooner.
“His maturation course of has been second to none, in my eyes,” huge receiver Stefon Diggs mentioned Wednesday.
Diggs has performed with each quarterbacks. He joined Allen for that Yr 3 leap, identical to he joined Maye for his breakout season.
“When it comes right down to this entire particular person, making good choices constantly, (Maye has) been doing that,” Diggs mentioned of Maye. “As far the MVP dialog, that man on the opposite facet of the ball we’re about to play in opposition to (Allen) is a hell of a participant. I consider that that staff type of goes by means of him.
“At this level, I like our man. Our man’s been taking part in extraordinarily properly. I’m not gonna put all of it on him. We’ve clearly been supporting him, however he’s carried out an awesome job at making good choices, play in and play out, and I’m tremendous happy with him. Anticipating this sport being no totally different. We simply all must do our greatest effort and be open, be out there. He’s nonetheless a younger quarterback, and being open doesn’t do nothing however assist.”
Maye and Allen are having very related seasons statistically, however Maye does get the slight edge in most classes.
Maye has accomplished 71.5% of his passes for 3,412 yards with 8.8 yards per try, 23 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. He’s additionally rushed 81 occasions for 319 yards with two touchdowns.
Allen has accomplished 70.1% of his passes for 3,083 yards with 8.2 yards per try, 22 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He’s additionally rushed 87 occasions for 487 yards with 12 touchdowns.
Maye has the sting in passer ranking (111.9 to 102.9), QBR (72.2 to 65.2), EPA per play (0.272 to 0.268) and completion share over anticipated (9.6% to three.6%), all whereas throwing for extra air yards per try (8.9 to 7.2). Maye additionally has the upper PFF grade (87.1 to 85.8) and PFF passing grade (86.3 to 77.5). He has the second-best MVP odds behind Matthew Stafford at +200. Allen is fourth at +1500.
In Allen’s second season, he was nonetheless a piece in progress, finishing 58.8% of his passes for 3,089 yards with 6.7 yards per try, 20 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, including 109 carries for 510 yards with 9 touchdowns on the bottom. He had an 85.3 passer ranking, 49.4 QBR, averaged 0.043 EPA per play, -1.6% completion share over anticipated with 9.5 common air yards. He had a 64.1 PFF grade and 61.4 PFF passing grade.
Maye, who’s recognized for his modesty, nonetheless believes he’s a methods off from Allen.
“Honored if the comparability is there with Josh. You’re honored to be in comparison with a man like him at his stage,” Maye mentioned. “I believe I’m a far, lengthy methods away from taking part in like him. He’s the very best within the sport and looking out ahead to a different matchup, me vs. him.”
Doing this in a single season is one factor. Stringing it collectively over a six-year span is one other dialog, nevertheless it’s been an unimaginable ascension for Maye as he’s led his staff to an 11-2 report after the Patriots completed the 2023 and 2024 seasons 4-13.
Diggs was requested to match the 2 QBs.
“It’s a unique offense. That offense over there, they do plenty of scramble drill, they do plenty of totally different stuff. We do some various things right here,” Diggs mentioned. “I imply, so far as like, expertise stage, it’s very obvious that (Maye) could make each throw, he can run. If you wish to type of go like that route, they’re each cell. They each can throw the ball. However I believe this league is stuffed with quarterbacks that transfer and throw the ball.
“These guys actually could make performs at a excessive stage. They only look a little bit totally different once they make these performs, once they make these throws, on these key throws. So for me, I might see the comparability, however two completely totally different offenses. I’ve been in each of them.”
Maye finally mentioned the comparability between him an Allen provides the media one thing to speak about. And head coach Mike Vrabel instructs gamers not to attract comparisons or set expectations.
However Maye is taking part in in addition to Allen or some other quarterback within the NFL. And if he continues this stage of play, different quarterbacks will begin being in comparison with him.
