Maye reaches personal milestone as Pats lock up playoff berth

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. James Lang-Imagn Images

Drake Maye reaches personal milestone as Patriots lock up playoff berth

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Dec 22, 2025 12:39 PM ET

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye further proved why he's worthy of being the new face of the franchise by reaching a career milestone in a playoff-clinching win.

As the Patriots locked up a spot in the postseason with a 28-24 victory in Baltimore, Maye was more prolific than he's ever been in any game during his young career. Maye completed 31-of-44 passes for 380 yards, giving him his first game with over 300 passing yards.

Maye's 44 pass attempts also marked his second-highest total and most since the 2025 season opener, a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Maye also tossed a pair of touchdown passes, helping to counteract his lone interception.

Drake Maye was on verge of reaching 300 yards recently as well

Maye's previous season-best in terms of yardage was when he got close to 300, throwing for 294 yards during a win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 23.

Drake Maye has first 300-yard passing performance.@ezlazar's #NEvsBAL game notes: https://t.co/xsAFDdLNbx pic.twitter.com/VinFkaBzbP
— x - New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 22, 2025

In 2025, the No. 3 pick of the 2024 NFL Draft out of North Carolina has recorded 3,947 yards through the air, 387 on the ground, 29 total touchdowns and just eight picks in 15 games so far.

Drake Maye has taken his game to another level in his second NFL season

He's taken a major leap forward in his sophomore NFL season, which has coincided with the Patriots returning to glory as among the league's elite teams. Maye threw for 2,276 yards with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in just 13 games as a rookie last year.

Drake Maye ices the game. pic.twitter.com/XILQ0V1x7q
— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2025

Despite some conversation early in the season, it's unlikely Maye will be able to prevent Matthew Stafford from cementing his future Hall of Fame career with his first MVP Award. However, with one of the AFC's normal staple top quarterbacks in Patrick Mahomes recovering from season-ending surgery, Maye has a strong shot of being named a Pro Bowler for the first time, maybe even an All-Pro as well.

But based on what Tom Brady made Patriots fans accustomed to experiencing for over two decades, Maye will undoubtedly be judged on how he performs in the postseason and how far he can lead New England.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

More must-reads: