Drake Maye vs. Baker Mayfield: Patriots young QB outduels Buccaneers counterpart in battle of MVP contenders originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye made it clear on Sunday that his team is not worried about the Buffalo Bills.

Mike Vrabel greeted players with a handshake and a statement: “NFC South champs!” TreVeyon Henderson had touchdown runs of 69 and 55 yards, Drake Maye threw two TD passes, and the New England Patriots beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28-23 on Sunday for their seventh straight win.

Drake was a superstar for the UNC Tar Heels before he became the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to New England. Ann also went to UNC with Maye, and her brother Tad even played QB with Maye. The couple has dated since middle school where they met, and got married in June of 2025.

On Sunday, the Patriots left Raymond James with a 28-23 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after another strong showing from second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Maye completed just 16 of 31 passes, but threw for 270 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception en route to a seventh straight Patriots victory.

Behind a new coach and young star quarterback, the Patriots are a Super Bowl contender for the first time since Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. Rival fans aren't thrilled.

Rising star Drake Maye joined an exclusive New England Patriots group in Sunday’s victory over the Atlanta Falcons, becoming only the third Patriots quarterback since 2000 to be sacked at least five times in consecutive games.