Former Pro Bowler dismisses Drake Maye's recent surge as a fluke

Key points

• Jarvis Landry, a former five-time Pro Bowler, stated that Drake Maye is a 'fluke' and that his recent performances are inflated by playing against the bottom half of NFL pass defenses.
• Maye has thrown 10 touchdowns and one interception over the last three games, which are all wins for the Patriots.
• In the 26-19 win against the Jets, Maye completed 18 of 32 passes for 235 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions, posting a 110.8 passer rating.
• Maye explained his improvement by trusting his film study, his communication with coach Josh McDaniels, and his ability to stay calm in the pocket despite a patchwork offensive line.
• The Patriots are set to face the Chicago Bears on Thursday night, a defense that is considered tougher than the recent opponents.

Background

The Patriots had a slow start to the 2026 season, including a 35-6 loss to Jacksonville in Week 3, which was highlighted in our archive. Maye's recent surge comes after a difficult stretch where he threw three interceptions in a single quarter against Seattle. The team's recent wins include victories over the Bills, Raiders, and Jets.

How outlets are covering it

NESN and Boston Herald highlight Maye's statistical turnaround and his own explanation for the improvement, focusing on his patience and trust in the coaching staff. NESN notes that Maye has faced weak defenses, but argues that it is unfair to dismiss his performance because he is playing in the NFL. USA Today focuses on Maye's health, noting he practiced fully for a second straight day ahead of the Bears game, indicating he is ready for a tougher defensive challenge. Jarvis Landry, cited by NESN, dismisses Maye's recent success as a fluke due to the quality of opponents.

Why it matters

The debate over whether Maye's recent success is sustainable or a product of weak opponents is crucial for the Patriots' playoff hopes. A win against the Bears on Thursday will be a significant test of Maye's ability to perform against a top-tier defense, which could determine the team's trajectory for the rest of the season.

What to watch

The Patriots will face the Chicago Bears on Thursday night. The Bears' defense is considered tough against quarterbacks, making this a critical test for Maye. The outcome of this game will likely determine whether the Patriots' recent win streak is sustainable or if they will struggle against elite competition.