Last year, Drake Maye showed many flashes of brilliance during his rookie campaign with the New England Patriots, although it still seemed like the former No. 3 overall pick was still rather raw.

As a result, many wondered if Maye would endure a sophomore slump in 2025, which is why most felt the Patriots would be improved, but not quite playoff contenders this season.

Well, Maye has completely altered New England's trajectory in the best way possible.

The 23-year-old leads the NFL with 2,836 passing yards to go along with 20 touchdowns and just five interceptions while completing 71.9 percent of his throws (which also leads the league) and posting a 113.2 passer rating. He has also rushed for 285 yards and a couple of scores.

Most importantly? Maye has the Pats at 9-2 and is a legitimate MVP candidate as a result.

Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon recently published a piece in which he listed one key stat that defines every team in the NFL this season, and for the Patriots, it was Maye averaging 5.3 air yards per pass attempt.

"No other AFC quarterback is averaging more than 4.7 air yards per pass. The signal-caller is dealing as a prime MVP candidate in his sophomore campaign," Gagnon wrote.

Entering the season, there were some who were unsure if Maye would have enough weapons at his disposal to put forth a strong second-year showing, but that has not been an issue.

The wide receiver quartet of Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins and DeMario Douglas has been fantastic, and tight end Hunter Henry is on pace to have one of the most productive campaigns of his professional career.

Perhaps the biggest problem for Maye this season has been avoiding the pass rush, as he has been sacked 36 times through 11 games. Of course, that is mostly on the offensive line not being up to snuff (it was a major issue in 2024, as well), but there have also been instances where Maye has held on to the football too long, as well.

Regardless, New England is over the moon with how well Maye has played this season, and I'm not sure anybody — not even Maye himself — saw this coming so quickly.

The Pats are two games ahead of the Buffalo Bills for first place in the AFC East and will face the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday.