FOXBOROUGH – There’s been a lot of praise for Drake Maye and the Patriots this season.
After two 4-win seasons, the 13-3 Patriots are tied for the best record in the AFC. Meanwhile, Maye is among the favorites to win the NFL’s MVP award. The quarterback leads the NFL in passer rating (112.9) and completion percentage. He’s also fourth in the league in passing yards (4,203) and tied for third in passing touchdowns (30).
However, Maye and the Patriots have been criticized this season for having a schedule that’s ‘easy.’ Their strength of schedule (.383) is the lowest in the NFL. Their strength of victory (.365) is the second lowest behind the Denver Broncos (.356).
On Wednesday, Maye was asked about the criticism.
“We play in the National Football League. Every team’s got great players. They get paid a lot of money,” Maye said. “So, it’s not like we’re playing, shoot, Foxborough High School down the road. We play who’s on our schedule. We can’t control that. Just trying to go out there and try to win. A lot of these teams that we do play are good, and they’re in the National Football League for a reason.”
As Maye noted, the Patriots don’t control who’s on their schedule. That’s set up by the NFL.
The Patriots also faced several teams this year who had disappointing seasons – Tennessee (3-13), New Orleans (6-10), Cleveland (4-12), New York Jets (3-13), New York Giants (3-13), and the Cincinnati Bengals (6-10).
Among the teams they played that are in the playoff hunt are the Buffalo Bills (twice), Pittsburgh, Carolina, Tampa Bay, and Baltimore.
The debate over the Patriots’ schedule has continued into this week as national pundits debated Maye’s merits over Matthew Stafford. Both are considered the top two favorites for the MVP award.
“I saw him play here last year and he was fun to watch,” Maye said. “I’ve watched him on tape a lot, some crossover games, and he’s special with the football. The way he throws it and how he fits it in tight windows. His no-look (passes), he’s got some swagger.
“So big fan of his game. I know I played him last year and talked to him briefly after the game, but I probably should have went up before the game. I’ve been a big fan for a long time of his. Just talk about natural throwers and any platform, any angle, it’s at a really high level. It’s been fun watching him.”
