New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is in the thick of the MVP conversation.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is putting together a phenomenal campaign in his second year in the league.
Maye is in the MVP conversation, as he's led the Patriots to an NFL-best 10-2 record. The 23-year-old has completed 71 percent of his passes for 3,130 yards, 21 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He has also rushed for 307 yards and two touchdowns.
Maye is in the battle for MVP against Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford was the clear favorite entering Week 13, but with two interceptions and a fumble in a loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, it becomes a closer race.
On the season, Stafford has completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 3,073 yards, 32 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
If Maye has a good performance on Monday night against the New York Giants, he could make the MVP race that much closer.
While the Giants are 2-10, it won't be an easy matchup for New England as New York has a talented defensive line, featuring Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, and Abdul Carter. The Patriots will need a great performance from their offensive line to give Maye time to deliver the ball downfield.
The offseason changes have done wonders for New England. Head coach Mike Vrabel has changed the culture, and free agency addition Stefon Diggs has been the top weapon for Maye.
Diggs signed a three-year $69 million deal with the Patriots this offseason to be the elite wide receiver they've been missing. He has lived up to the deal, as he's hauled in 61 receptions for 679 yards and three touchdowns.
Outside of Diggs, tight end Hunter Henry has made the biggest impact in the passing attack. Henry has 41 receptions for 537 yards and five touchdowns. Outside of those two targets, it's been a balanced attack with Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, and Demario Douglas all over 360 receiving yards.
New England's depth at the skill positions has allowed Maye to thrive in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' offense.
With Stafford turning it over three times in the Rams' loss to the Panthers, Maye has a shot to pass him in the MVP race. If Maye wins the award, he would be the first Patriot to win the award since Tom Brady.