The 2024 NFL Draft gave us two of the most hyped quarterback prospects in recent memory - Caleb Williams and Drake Maye - and now, with the 2025 season hitting its stretch run, both are starting to deliver in a big way. Williams, taken first overall by the Chicago Bears, and Maye, selected third by the New England Patriots, are no longer just promising rookies. They're becoming key figures in their teams' playoff pushes - and possibly, a glimpse at the league’s future QB elite.
Caleb Williams Finds His Stride in Chicago
Let’s start with Caleb Williams, who just helped the Bears notch their fifth straight win - a gritty victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. It wasn’t a stat-sheet stuffer by any means: 154 passing yards, one touchdown, one interception, and a 56.9 passer rating.
He was also sacked twice. But here’s the thing - it was enough.
And in a league where wins matter more than passer ratings, that’s a big deal.
What stood out more than the numbers was Williams’ poise. He didn’t force the issue.
He made timely throws, kept the offense on schedule, and leaned on a defense that’s been playing lights-out during this win streak. This is the kind of game young quarterbacks are supposed to struggle in - against a physical, playoff-tested Eagles team.
But Williams looked like he belonged.
And people around the league are noticing - including his draft classmate.
Drake Maye Shows Love After Bears Win
After the game, Drake Maye took to Instagram with a simple message for Williams: “That dude.” Two words, but they carry weight - especially coming from a fellow top-three pick who’s also turning heads this season. It’s a sign of mutual respect between two young quarterbacks who may be linked for years to come.
Maye Leading the Patriots’ Revival
While Williams is growing into his role, Maye is already making a full-on MVP case in his rookie year. Under new head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots have stormed out to a 10-2 record and sit atop the AFC West. Yes, you read that right - the Patriots are back, and Maye is a huge reason why.
Through 12 games, Maye has thrown for 3,130 yards, 21 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. That’s elite production for any quarterback, let alone a rookie. He’s already engineered wins over playoff-caliber teams like the Bills, Bucs, and Bengals, and he’s doing it with a command of the offense that belies his age.
Maye isn’t just putting up numbers - he’s elevating the players around him. The Patriots’ offense looks more dynamic, more confident, and more dangerous than it has in years. And with the defense holding up its end, New England is starting to look like a legitimate Super Bowl contender again.
Bears and Patriots on a Collision Course?
It’s still early, but if the current trajectories hold, we could be headed toward something special: a potential Super Bowl showdown between the Bears and Patriots, led by the two top quarterbacks from the 2024 draft. That’s a long way off, of course - the playoffs are a different beast, and both teams still have plenty to prove. But the foundation is there.
Chicago has found its rhythm, and Williams is settling into a leadership role that’s been vacant for far too long. He’s got the arm talent, the mobility, and now - most importantly - the wins. With statement victories over the Cowboys, Bengals, Vikings, Steelers, and Eagles, the Bears are proving they can hang with anyone.
Meanwhile, New England looks like a team reborn. Maye has brought life back to a franchise that had been stuck in a post-Brady haze. The Patriots are physical, disciplined, and efficient - classic Vrabel football, with a modern quarterback twist.
The Future Is Now
It’s rare to see two rookie quarterbacks not just survive but thrive at this level. Williams and Maye are doing more than just holding their own - they’re leading playoff contenders and showing flashes of greatness. And while their styles are different, the results are starting to look eerily similar.
For fans in Chicago and New England, the future isn’t just promising - it’s already here. And for the rest of the league?
It might be time to start preparing for a new generation of quarterback rivalries. Williams vs.
Maye could be one we talk about for a long, long time.