Following week fourteen of the NFL season, the New England Patriots sit near the top of the league and look like one of the biggest threats to win the Super Bowl.
Earlier this month, they beat the New York Giants 33-15, moving to 11-2, and extending their win streak to ten games, their longest streak since 2015.
The main benefactor behind the Patriots success is Drake Maye, Patriots’ 1st round draft pick in the 2024 NFL rookie draft . His biggest strength has been his week-to week-consistency, throwing for more than 200 yards in every game this season. And He leads the league in completion rate (throws caught by the targeted player) on throws over twenty yards at 71.5 percent. This mix of efficiency and explosive plays has moved him to the front of this year’s MVP race, as he continues to pull the Patriots out of their four-year playoff drought.
Maye went against the Giants completing 24 out of 31 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns. The Patriots grabbed control of the game early, when Patriots’ Marcus Jones took a punt 94 yards for a touchdown, putting them up 10-0 in the first quarter. By halftime, the game was basically over, with New England leading 30-7. Giants’ rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart tried help the Giants come back after returning this week from a concussion, but the gap was to wide to close.
Next for the Patriots, after their bye week, which gave them a short break before the head back to Gillette Stadium to face their rivals, the Buffalo Bills. This matchup will be the real test to see if the Patriots are a legit contender or just kindling false hope after the previous dynasty. A win would put them in a strong position to lock down the top spot in the AFC East.
After that they travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens on December 21st. Baltimore currently sit second the AFC North and that matchup should be another tough check on where this Patriots team stands as they start gearing up for a deep playoff run.
