'MNF' takeaways: Patriots QB Drake Maye strengthens MVP case with sterling performance vs. Giants

New York certainly looked like a team entering Monday at 2-10 and out of playoff contention, going through the motions before this dreadful season ends. When searching for its next head coach this offseason, the franchise's main objective should be finding one who cares.

Game MVP: New England Patriots QB Drake Maye

The second-year quarterback is a bona fide league MVP candidate, and he showed why with a precise, explosive performance in primetime. Maye finished 24-of-31 for 282 yards and two touchdowns, taking complete command of the offense while guiding the Patriots to a league-leading 11th win.

He showed phenomenal touch on both touchdown passes, the first a floater to wideout Kayshon Boutte on a 1st-and-goal from New York's 3-yard line and the second a deep 33-yard missile to receiver Kyle Williams.

Maye is playing with maturity far beyond that of a normal second-year quarterback. In an NFL that's as wide open as anytime in recent memory, each week, there are fewer reasons to doubt Maye could not only be named MVP but also lead the Patriots to another Super Bowl win.

Quote of the game: "Talking with [Kafka], he's grown a little tired of having those conversations with all the people that have had 'em with him."

One day, perhaps, Jaxson Dart will learn to protect himself. But it probably won't be in 2025. The buzzy rookie first-round quarterback won't have a promising future for long if he keeps putting himself in harm's way, like he did when going for extra yards on a first-quarter scramble.

Instead of going out of bounds on the second-down play, Dart tiptoed the sideline only to get sent flying after being hit by Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss, prompting a kerfuffle that resulted in an unnecessary roughness call against the Giants.

After the play, ESPN color commentator Troy Aikman described Kafka as "tired" of having to keep reminding Dart, who missed the past two games with a concussion, to prioritize his health.

Dart displayed what gave the Giants hope on a two-point try in the fourth quarter, buying time after the pocket collapsed and finding wide receiver Darius Slayton for the successful conversion.

The Giants have to figure out how to allow Dart to play freely while curbing his reckless tendencies. It's a delicate balancing act, but one the Giants must nail. Their future depends on it.