Drake Maye Just Followed in Mac Jones' Footsteps With Latest News
Rookie quarterback Drake Maye was one of the New England Patriots' bright spots amid a 2024 season shrouded in darkness.
After taking over from Jacoby Brissett as the starting QB in Week 6, Maye proved exactly why the Patriots drafted him third overall last April. The former North Carolina Tar Heel demonstrated promise as a passer and a runner, leaving Pats fans excited to see what he has in store for Year 2.
Following a rookie campaign that featured much to (personally) celebrate, Maye added yet another accolade to his name on Tuesday — one that will surely remind Patriots fans of one of the team's former QBs.
Patriots News: QB Drake Maye Added to 2025 Pro Bowl
In a surprising reveal, the Patriots have announced that Maye has been named to the AFC's 2025 Pro Bowl roster. The first-year signal-caller is replacing Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen, who's opting out of the annual event after suffering a wrist injury during the AFC Championship Game.
First year, first Pro Bowl ✅@DrakeMaye2 is heading to the #ProBowlGames pic.twitter.com/2KHbCHa1XF
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 28, 2025
If any Patriots fans are experiencing deja vu, it's because they've been here before. It was only in 2021 when Mac Jones cracked the Pro Bowl as a rookie, having led New England to a 10-7 record while completing 67.6% of passes for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns (to 13 interceptions), and a 92.5 passer rating.
For comparison, Maye tallied a 66.6% completion rate, 2,276 passing yards, 15 TDs, 10 INTs, and an 88.1 rate while leading the Patriots to a 3-9 record across 12 starts. He also made his presence felt on the ground, converting 54 carries into 421 rushing yards and another two scores.
Obviously, Patriots fans know what happened to Jones after his Pro Bowl appearance. His performances declined with each subsequent season, ultimately leading to his being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars last March.
Hopefully, a first-year Pro Bowl appearance is the only similarity Maye will share with Jones. The Patriots can't afford to fumble the dual-threat's development, so they must do a better job at surrounding him with competent blockers and weapons — something they didn't do consistently enough for Jones.
New England fans can view Maye's first Pro Bowl appearance this Sunday when the action airs on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN+ at 3 p.m. ET.
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