It feels like forever since Gillette Stadium actually had that "scary" energy. You know the one. That feeling where opposing defenses walk into Foxborough and realize they're probably going to leave with a headache and a loss. For a few years there, after the TB12 era sputtered out, things were... well, they were bleak. But if you’re asking who is the qb for the patriots right now, the answer isn't just a name. It’s a franchise-altering shift.
Drake Maye is the guy.
And honestly? He’s not just "the guy" because he was a high draft pick. He’s the guy because he just finished a 2025 regular season that looked like something out of a video game. As we sit here in mid-January 2026, Maye has the Patriots preparing for an AFC Divisional Round matchup against the Houston Texans. It’s a far cry from the offensive stagnation fans suffered through just a couple of seasons ago.
The Drake Maye Era: Beyond the Hype
Look at the numbers from this past season. They’re kind of absurd. Maye put up 4,394 passing yards. He tossed 31 touchdowns against just eight interceptions. If you told a Patriots fan in 2023 that they'd have a quarterback throwing for over 4,000 yards and leading the league in completion percentage (a staggering 72%), they probably would’ve asked what you were drinking.
But Maye did it. He didn't just manage the game; he took it over.
What's really wild is his efficiency. We aren't just talking about check-downs here. According to NextGen Stats, Maye was one of the most effective deep-ball passers in the league this year, completing over 53% of his throws that traveled more than 20 air yards. He’s got this weirdly calm presence in the pocket, even when things are collapsing. He led the NFL with a 102.6 passer rating while under pressure.
Why the 2025 Season Changed Everything
For a while, people were worried. Transitioning from a legend is hard. But Mike Vrabel’s arrival as head coach seemed to click something into place for Maye. They went 14-3 this year. They won the AFC East for the first time since 2019. This isn't just a "good story"—it’s a total 10-win turnaround from the previous basement-dwelling seasons.
👉 See also: Marcus Freeman Wife Images: Why Joanna Freeman Is the Real MVP
Maye’s growth from his rookie year to now is the biggest takeaway. In 2024, he was flashy but inconsistent. He had 15 touchdowns and 10 picks. Fast forward to 2026, and he’s an Associated Press Second-Team All-Pro. He’s the first Patriots offensive player to get that nod since Joe Thuney back in 2019. That’s a long drought for a franchise that used to print All-Pro certificates.
The Depth Chart: Who Else Is in the Building?
While Maye is the undisputed engine, the room behind him has changed quite a bit. Jacoby Brissett, who served as the veteran bridge and mentor early on, is no longer the primary backup. Currently, the depth chart looks like this:
- Starter: Drake Maye
- Backup: Joshua Dobbs
- Third String: Tommy DeVito
Joshua Dobbs brought that "Astronaut" energy to the backup role this year, providing a mobile insurance policy that fits the offensive scheme better than a traditional pocket passer might. It’s a smart room. They aren't just there to hold a clipboard; they're there to help Maye process the complex defensive looks he's seeing from teams like the Texans and Ravens.
The Rhamondre Factor
You can't talk about who is the qb for the patriots without mentioning the guy standing next to him. Rhamondre Stevenson had a year. He bounced back from some early-season fumbles and off-field noise to become the hammer Maye needed. Having a back who can grind out four yards on a "bad" play makes a young QB's life significantly easier.
Then there’s the addition of Stefon Diggs. Bringing in a veteran alpha receiver changed the spacing of the entire offense. Suddenly, Maye wasn't just throwing to "open windows"—he was throwing to a guy who creates his own time zone on the field.
💡 You might also like: NCAA D1 Baseball Rankings: Why Everyone Is Obsessed With UCLA and LSU Right Now
What’s Next for the Patriots QB?
The immediate focus is Sunday’s game against Houston. It’s a bit of a full-circle moment. Maye actually made his first-ever NFL start against the Texans about 15 months ago. That game was a bit of a disaster—he threw three touchdowns but also got picked twice and sacked four times in a blowout loss.
Maye himself said this week that it feels like "10 years ago." He’s a different player now. He’s more patient. He’s taking the "scramble yards" (he had 450 rushing yards this year) when they’re there, but he’s not bailing on clean pockets as much as he used to.
If the Patriots want to get back to the Super Bowl, Maye has to handle the Texans' relentless pressure. Houston runs a lot of single-high safety looks, and Maye actually happens to be one of the highest-graded quarterbacks in the league against that specific coverage. It’s a chess match, and for the first time in a long time, New England feels like they have the best piece on the board.
Actionable Insights for Patriots Fans:
- Watch the Red Zone: Maye mentioned in his Wednesday presser that he needs to be better about "not putting the football in harm's way" in the playoffs. In the Wild Card win against the Chargers, they settled for too many field goals. Look for Vrabel to get aggressive early in the red area.
- Monitor the Scramble: Maye is PFF's second-highest ranked QB in scramble yards. If the Texans' pass rush gets home, Maye’s legs are the X-factor that keeps drives alive.
- Check the Injury Report: Keep an eye on Hunter Henry’s status. He’s been a safety valve for Maye all year, and his presence (or absence) drastically changes how teams can play the middle of the field against this offense.
The days of wondering if the Patriots have "found their guy" are over. Drake Maye is the identity of this team now. Whether they hoist a trophy in February or not, the quarterback position in New England is finally settled.
Next Steps for Following the Patriots Postseason:
- Analyze the Matchup: Study the Texans' defensive pressure rates versus Maye's passer rating under pressure to see where the breaking point lies.
- Review the All-Pro Tape: Look back at Maye’s Week 16 performance against Baltimore to see how he handles elite, disguise-heavy defenses.
- Track the Roster Moves: Watch the practice squad elevations this week for any hints at how the Patriots plan to bolster their depth for the Divisional Round.