Drake Maye’s performance this season has had everyone talking, with the second-year quarterback helping the New England Patriots become one of the best teams in the AFC. And with that, it has put Maye right into the MVP conversation.
Betting odds have had him near the top of the list, even being a favorite to win at some points. But following the Patriots’ loss to the Buffalo Bills, it might have bumped him down just slightly.
However, the real question is, does Maye care about even winning this honor?
“The MVP is obviously one of the big accolades for this league, and it’s something that is an honor as a player to earn that award, and I respect all the past MVPs, but I think at the end of the day, winning the Super Bowl is the biggest thing,” Maye told reporters on Wednesday. “I think it’s what kind of makes this league go is winning the big one. That’s what you work toward, and that’s what this game is about. I love winning, and the personal accolades come with all that, but I’d rather win than win personal awards. I hope people in that locker room – I know a lot of them feel the same way.”
At this point, it seems Maye is competing against Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and Bills quarterback Josh Allen for this coveted award. But for him, he’s only focused on lifting the Lombardi trophy one day.
Drake Maye Leads The Way In Pro Bowl Voting
GettyDrake Maye of the New England Patriots
Pro Bowl voting has officially closed, but throughout it all, Maye sat atop the list. Specifically, before it closed, Maye was at 104,417 votes.The next best was Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba at 92,573 votes, followed by Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce in third with 88,459 votes, according to Tom Pelissero.
So far this season, Maye has 3,567 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across 14 games.
How Does Drake Maye Feel About The Patriots Getting Flexed To Prime Time
GettyDrake Maye kept things rolling on Monday night.
New England was initially set to play the Baltimore Ravens in the 1 p.m. window on Sunday, but the league decided to switch things up, moving the 11-3 Patriots into a primetime slot, set to play at 8:20 p.m. on Sunday Night Football.
With this move, it ensures there will be even more eyes on the Patriots, and Maye was asked if this increases the level of excitement to get this recognition.
“That’s what you play for,” Maye said. “That’s what we’re trying to play for, for many years down the road. Trying to be the team that people want to see at night. People want to see when the only game on is us. That’s what you want this environment to be. That’s what you want the New England Patriots to be. Playing in night games that matter, home playoff games, and that’s what we’re building towards and working towards. That’s one of the goals.
“So, we’re just going to keep trying to get there, do whatever we can to get there, and it starts in practice out here today, tomorrow and each and every day. I think one of the tough things at the end of the – it’s Week 16, trying to battle not kind of tailing off and taking shortcuts. Just try to keep going and do things a little more, study a little more, do a little bit more after practice just to try to make up for the 16 weeks that you’ve put on your body and know that these weeks are the weeks that you played the last 14 games for.”
Drake Maye Sends Team-First Message Amid MVP Conversation