Foxborough, Massachusetts – Drake Maye is having an explosive season, leading the Patriots to an 11-2 record and holding the second spot in the MVP race. However, one detail is sparking controversy: Maye still hasn’t thrown for over 300 yards in any game. Amid the public buzz, legend Tom Brady stepped up and spoke in defense of his protégé, saying the debate is “veering away from what really matters.”
Brady argues that the NFL landscape has changed, especially after the new kickoff rule was implemented. Teams now start drives in more advantageous positions, leading to a significant drop in overall game yards. From 78 games reaching the 300-yard mark in Week 13 of the 2023 season, the number has fallen to just 46 in 2025. According to Brady, this is an objective factor affecting every QB – not just Maye. “The era of a few 300-yard games every week is different now. He’s playing at true MVP level in this new context.”
The second reason Brady highlights: The Patriots… are too strong. When the team consistently leads opponents, Josh McDaniels prioritizes clock control with a run-heavy approach instead of letting Maye keep throwing deep. A prime example is the 33-15 win over the Giants, when New England scored 30 points in the first half and completely slowed down in the second. Brady says this shows the tactical maturity of the entire team, not a limitation of Maye.
Additionally, Brady points out the cautious offensive philosophy the Patriots employ for a young team learning to win. Avoiding turnovers is the top priority, causing the team to explode in the first half but deliberately reduce risks in the second. Over 13 games, they’ve scored 210 points in the first half compared to 141 in the second. “You don’t ask a 23-year-old QB to gamble just to pretty up the stat sheet. You ask him to control the game, protect the ball, and lead his team to victory. And if he does all that week after week, then 300 yards or not doesn’t say anything about his true caliber.” – Brady said.
Finally, Brady asserts that the lack of a 300-yard game “isn’t an issue from any angle.” Maye has never thrown for under 200 yards, the Patriots are leading the AFC East, on a 10-game winning streak, and Maye remains a top MVP candidate. Brady concludes that the 300-yard milestone will come eventually, but it doesn’t define Maye’s season. The most important thing – for Maye and for the Patriots – is to keep winning.
