Drake Maye delivers big in his first NFL primetime game
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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. Photo: Kathryn Riley/Getty Images
Drake Maye, a former Myers Park High and North Carolina Tar Heels standout, led the New England Patriots (3-2) to a massive 23-20 win against divisional rival the Buffalo Bills (4-1) Sunday night.
Why it matters: Maye is one of the best football players ever to come out of UNC — and arguably the biggest sports star to come out of Charlotte since Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry.
What they're saying: "Drake Maye's been awesome for weeks now, but this ... felt like his first BIG moment on the national stage," ESPN analyst Mina Kimes posted on X Sunday night.
By the numbers: Maye went 22-of-30 passing for 273 yards. Reigning league MVP and Bills quarterback Josh Allen went 22-of-31 for 253 passing yards and two touchdowns, plus an interception.
- "I've seen a young quarterback take a step in the right direction," Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who spent years playing with Allen in Buffalo, told reporters after the game.
- "It's a hell of a comparison to be compared to Josh Allen," Diggs said. "But as you come into your own, Drake Maye has to be Drake Maye."
The intrigue: UNC football has been noticeably quiet about Maye's success this season. Even former UNC coach Mack Brown, whom the school fired months before hiring former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, has chimed in about Maye's primetime performance.
- "So Happy for Drake. Fun to watch him win last night in Buffalo like he did so many times at UNC. Love ❤️ and Appreciate you my friend! Keep it rolling!" Brown posted on X.
- UNC football has posted multiple times about other players in the NFL throughout the season so far.
- The team praised Maye Monday morning on social media — and took some heat in the comments for how long it took them to post.