The New England Patriots are having an incredible season, with the storied franchise getting back to its winning ways thanks to one of the best head coaches in the NFL, Mike Vrabel, and a rising star at quarterback, Drake Maye.
With the dynamic duo of Vrabel and Maye continuing to fire on all cylinders after a remarkable run during the regular season, the Patriots will go on the road to face the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High.
Robert Kraft Opens Up About MVP Candidate Drake Maye
GettyNew England Patriots owner Robert Kraft talks with Drake Maye
Ahead of the clash between the Patriots and Broncos on Sunday in Denver, longtime team owner Robert Kraft made an appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub and had high praise for his young star quarterback.
“He’s got a great family, and he’s so humble, and it’s genuine, it’s not phony bologna,” Kraft said of Maye.
Along with praising Maye for being the genuine article, Kraft couldn’t help but mention the unbelievable touchdown pass from the second-year quarterback to wide receiver Kayshon Boutte during the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs against the Houston Texans this past weekend.
“How about that pass to [Kayshon] Boutte? Both the catch and the throw. It’s pretty special, and Houston had one heck of a defense, and Denver does, too. I think they’re No. 1 and No. 2 in the league.”
Maye has been doing extraordinary things during the 2025 campaign, putting him in the NFL MVP conversation alongside Los Angeles Rams star Matthew Stafford.
Maye’s completion percentage and his 9.4 yards per attempt under pressure this season are the highest marks by a Patriots QB since ESPN began tracking pressure in 2009.
It’ll be interesting to see if Maye can keep it rolling against a tough Broncos defense on Sunday in the Mile High City.
Drake Maye on One-Handed TD by Kayshon Boutte
GettyKayshon Boutte #9 of the New England Patriots
Boutte’s one-handed touchdown grab off the pass from Maye was easily the highlight of the Patriots-Texans playoff showdown at Gillette Stadium this past weekend.
The incredible play prompted this response from Maye after the win over Houston.
“He keeps on making them,” Maye said of Boutte. “He keeps on making plays, making me look good. I’m proud to be able to give him some throws to make a play on it. A one-handed catch, not much else to say about it. It was pretty sweet. Kind of the same type of throw as my first one to him. And he made an even better catch this time. Props to Kayshon for keep on playing. He was huge for us tonight. That receiver room just keeps on doing good things. Good job in the running game. I think I could have more chances downfield and make better throws. But you can’t be too hard on myself and move on to the next one.”
After having a day to reflect on the win and the incredible catch that he made against the Texans, Boutte was asked about the play earlier this week and where it stands amongst the best plays of his career.
“I never thought about that one yet, honestly,” Boutte said. “I think I’m still enjoying the moment. I still kind of look back and I was wondering how did I catch that. I never realized it was one-handed until I got to the sideline and was watching it on the screen.”
Heading into Sunday’s game, the Patriots will need more heroics from Boutte and Maye on the field if the team hopes to get the best of the Broncos and advance to the Super Bowl.
Patriots’ Robert Kraft Delivers Strong Praise for Drake Maye Ahead of AFC Championship