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Drake Maye Development Emerges Before Patriots-Buccaneers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Nov 7, 2025 11:40 AM ET

Key Points

The New England Patriots are set to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at 1 p.m. EST.
New England currently sits at 7-2 overall and leads the AFC East.
Ahead of the matchup, ESPN’s Jeff Darlington shared exciting news regarding Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.

The New England Patriots are thriving, and while they’ve found success at a plethora of positions under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, the biggest standout has been second-year quarterback Drake Maye.

Maye has continued to play at an MVP level through the team’s first nine games, helping the Patriots to a 7-2 record and first place in the AFC East.

Now, New England faces one of its bigger tests yet on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2).

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) and wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) walks off the field against the Buffalo Bills. Gregory Fisher-Imagn ImagesGregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Ahead of the clash, NFL reporter Jeff Darlington revealed an exciting development: he will sit down for an exclusive interview with Maye on ESPN’s NFL Countdown, marking Maye’s first appearance on the pregame show.

"Saw the past. Met the present," Darlington posted. "First interview with QB Drake Maye as he leads the surging Patriots to renewed success. Coming this weekend to Sunday NFL Countdown."

Saw the past. Met the present. First interview with QB Drake Maye as he leads the surging Patriots to renewed success. Coming this weekend to Sunday NFL Countdown. https://t.co/MxiBRSAKO4 pic.twitter.com/FpnMcxvxsm
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) November 7, 2025

The Patriots drafted Drake Maye with the No. 3 overall pick out of North Carolina. After showing flashes of his potential during his rookie season—when he didn’t start immediately and sat behind Jacoby Brissett—Maye eventually earned the starting role and made the most of the opportunity.

This is his first season under head coach Mike Vrabel, following last year’s brief tenure of Jerod Mayo, who only lasted one season.

Through nine games in year two, Maye is completing 74.1% of his passes for 2,285 yards, 17 touchdowns, and just four interceptions, while maintaining a 116.9 passer rating.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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