Pats Pulpit
It was another MVP like performance for Drake Maye on Sunday as the quarterback left New York completing 19-of-21 passes for 256 yards and five touchdowns in a 42-10 dismantling of the Jets.
While it’s worthwhile to point out the quality of opponent, Maye continued to etch his name in record books as he posted a 99.8 quarterback rating — tying the highest single-game mark since the metric began tracking in 2006 — and generating +1.28 expected points per drop-back (100th percentile), the best single-game EPA output of any quarterback in the league this season.
Behind his first five touchdown performance and a rough Monday night outing from Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, FanDuel Sportsbook now has Maye as the odds-on favorite to win the MVP award this season entering Week 18.
Here’s how he continued to build his case in just two-and-a-half quarters of football vs. the Jets.
(10:46) T.Munford reported in as eligible. D.Maye pass short right to A.Hooper for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. With a pair of wide receivers injured, Josh McDaniels turned to eight different personnel packages which included a season-high 25.8 percent of snaps in their jumbo package. After working to the goal line on their first drive, New England comes out with two running backs, two tight ends, and a sixth o-lineman (22 Rhino). With Hunter Henry motioning across the format to signal man-to-man coverage, Austin Hooper is left with leverage over the safety to left of the formation. A well-placed play-action pass over the defensive line finds the veteran tight end in the back of the end zone for a first-drive touchdown.
(7:20) (Shotgun) D.Maye pass short middle to E.Chism to NYJ 42 for 30 yards (J.Clark) [M.Clemons]. New England’s second drive is kickstarted by an explosive play to rookie WR Efton Chism III, who was elevated into a larger role on Sunday. The Jets bring a Cover-0 blitz which leaves each receiver in a one-on-one matchup and Drake Maye hot as left tackle Vederian Lowe is forced to slide down to block a blitzing linebacker. Chism, who notices the second-level blitz, runs a strong slant to cross the cornerbacks face and win to the inside against leverage while Maye stands in against an extra unblocked rusher to hit the rookie in stride.
(3:35) D.Maye pass deep right to S.Diggs pushed ob at NYJ 35 for 31 yards (Q.Stiggers). A simple stick concept turns into a big out of structure play for New England on the first play of their next possession. With the quick game concept covered, Maye begins the scramble drill as he extends the play to his right as Diggs notices and takes off up the sideline. A throw on the run allows Diggs to go up-and-over the cornerback and keep his feet in bounds to haul it in. Mossed.
S”cramble drill rules. I try not to make it more than what it is. Scramble drill rule. He gave me a chance. I...
