Last week, the Ravens gave Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow their first shutout. They’ll be trying to cool down Drake Maye’s second-season heat this week.
The young Patriots’ quarterback is enjoying a breakout season that has catapulted him into MVP discussion and has put New England (11-3), back on top of the AFC East.
Over the years, Tom Brady of the Patriots and Ravens have had epic battles. Will Maye be the one to bring the Ravens and Patriots rivalry into the future?
Alohi Gilman, Ravens safety, said: “I believe he’s playing at a high-level. He’s an elite player.”
“He is just very calm.” You can tell that he is really comfortable in the back, he makes good decisions. He doesn’t rush to make big plays when they aren’t necessary – he makes the right readings. That’s what I see. He’s doing really well and I have a lot respect for him.”
Maye is the NFL’s third-best quarterback with a rating of 109.1. He is the NFL’s leader in adjusted yards-per-attempt (9.08), but also in completion percentage (70.9).
When John Harbaugh watches the tape, he can see a quarterback who wants to make big plays, like the Pittsburgh Steelers did with Aaron Rodgers against the Ravens in Week 2.
“He will throw downfield.” Sometimes they’ll use play-action passes, and sometimes drop-backs that are also designed. “But, most of the time, they will just throw out a nine route against the press. You have to defend this,” Harbaugh explained. “And then there are the extended plays, where he will step up in the pocket and make some throws but he will also run,” Harbaugh said.
Maye’s not the only reason the Patriots turned the tide so quickly after last year’s 4-13 campaign. Mike Vrabel’s arrival changed the Patriots culture. They were also aggressive in their free-agent signings.
DeAndre Hopkins, Ravens wide receiver who played for Vrabel during the Tennessee season of 2023, isn’t shocked by the Patriots’ rapid growth under Vrabel’s watch.
They play Vrabel Ball. Hopkins said, “That’s solid, no mistakes. They’re going out to try to dominate you.” “That’s a switch from last to this year for those guys.” You’ll be motivated to play and compete if you have a coach as good as Vrabel.