New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is coming off a remarkable 2025 season, where he nearly snagged the NFL MVP title, falling just one vote short of tying with the Rams' Matthew Stafford. With 4,394 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions, Maye's performance was nothing short of stellar. He propelled the Patriots to an unexpected Super Bowl run, solidifying his status as a rising star.
However, Fox Sports analyst Nick Wright has a different outlook for Maye's 2026 season. During a recent appearance on "First Things First," Wright shared his belief that Maye might face some challenges in maintaining his previous level of success.
Wright commented, "I think across the board, he will take a step back next year. I think he will not look as eye-popping on the deep passes, like he did early.
I think his numbers will take a huge hit. I think the team’s record will take a huge hit.
And I think there will be some, particularly early in the season, real scar tissue from the playoff run and Super Bowl and what that did to at least his early season confidence."
While Wright's bold predictions are known to stir conversation, there might be some merit to his perspective. The Patriots are gearing up to face the sixth-toughest schedule in the league, which could present some hurdles for Maye and the team.
Yet, with Maye's undeniable talent and Josh McDaniels orchestrating the offense, it's challenging to foresee a dramatic decline for the young quarterback in his third year. The combination of Maye's skills and McDaniels' strategic play-calling could keep the Patriots competitive, even in the face of a tough schedule. Fans will be eager to see how Maye handles the pressure and whether he can continue to shine in the upcoming season.