Tom Brady Makes New England Patriots Decision

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Tom Brady Makes New England Patriots Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Oct 15, 2026 9:41 AM ET

The New England Patriots got off to a rough start this season, losing to the Seattle Seahawks 13-10 in Week 1 and getting blown out 35-6 by the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3. Their only win in the first three weeks of NFL action was against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2.

Sure enough, there were plenty of concerns about the team, especially after a rather chaotic offseason involving head coach Mike Vrabel. There were also questions about whether Drake Maye could recapture the form that made him an MVP contender in 2025.

Fortunately, two straight wins have allowed the Patriots to get back on track and show everyone that they are still the same dangerous team that made it to the Super Bowl last season.

New England first took down the previously undefeated Buffalo Bills in Week 4 before destroying the Las Vegas Raiders 45-17 in Week 5.

Maye himself has been sensational over the Patriots’ last two games, recording 643 passing yards and seven touchdowns against just one interception. He had 585 yards and only one touchdown in their first three outings, all while throwing six interceptions.

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Considering the Patriots’ recent performances, former NFL star and New England legend Tom Brady gave them the credit they deserved by including the team in his top 10 power rankings for the first time this season.

Previously unranked, the Patriots entered Brady’s power rankings at No. 7. The FOX Sports commentator also heaped praise on Maye, highlighting that he is throwing with more confidence.

“A tale as old as time in New England. I’ve heard it before and I was there when it happened: The sky’s falling in September and the Pats are dead in the water, until they aren’t,” Brady said. “Drake Maye, he’s responded so great. There was the first real slump early in the season, but he’s throwing the ball with confidence now and the whole team is feeding off it.”

Brady also referenced an Aaron Rodgers quote from years ago, saying, “Relax, everyone. This is a [expletive] good football team.”

The NFL icon also said that the Patriots should only get better as Maye improves his chemistry with his new receivers.

“As Drake’s building chemistry with new receivers this season, it’s all about time on task,” Brady added. “There’s only so much you can do in the offseason now. You’re limited in training camp. A lot of those real-time reps need to start adding up. That’s how you incorporate new guys into the scheme and into the system. Quarterback-to-receiver reps in the game; it builds a lot of trust. When you mess up, you learn from it, move on and try not to make the same mistake again. “

The Patriots will play the New York Jets in Week 6. Sure enough, it will be interesting to see whether New England can maintain its hot form and extend its winning streak to three.

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

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