Former UNC Star Drake Maye Given Solid QB Grade in Week 8 Win

The North Carolina Tar Heels have seen some talented players come through the football program over the years, giving the NFL some stars.

One of the better players to come out of North Carolina of late has been quarterback Drake Maye. Maye was selected with the No. 3 overall draft pick by the New England Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Since being drafted, Maye has helped the Patriots get back to its winning ways, with the signal-caller taking the team to the Super Bowl last year. Maye did get off to a slow start this current season, but he has seemed to turn things around of late.

New England is now 5-3 on the year following a win over the Miami Dolphins this past week, with Maye putting the team on his shoulders. Maye kept the Patriots unbeaten at home with the win, helping the team defend home field.

NFL analyst Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report gave out grades to each quarterback in the league following the Week 8 schedule on Sunday. Within this, Maye earned a "B+" letter grade for helping New England take down the Dolphins.

Maye finished the game throwing for 199 yards and two touchdowns against the Dolphins, helping his team get the win. New England was missing multiple scoring threats on offense, putting more pressure on Maye to find a way to get the job done.

Even with the game being against the Dolphins, the former North Carolina star was able to generate just enough to help New England get the victory. This is all any team can ask for from its quarterback, and Maye was praised for the way he handled himself.

Maye is being tasked with carrying this team forward, even with all the injuries, with there being high expectations on his shoulders. Given all the success that New England saw last year, Maye has to get this team back to the playoffs to go on another deep run.

The Tar Heels knew the type of player that Maye could become, and he is now showing it fully in the NFL for the Patriots. Going forward, North Carolina fans will keep watching Maye and the Patriots closely, rooting for him to find more success at the NFL level.

Next up for Maye and the Patriots is a tough game against the Green Bay Packers this coming week at home.