Maye and Williams set for Week 7 clash as Patriots QBs trade compliments

Key points

• Ben Johnson, Bears head coach, called Maye a 'deadly' combination of an elite deep-ball thrower and a dangerous runner, noting his recent surge in performance.
• Maye has averaged 292.7 passing yards per game over his last three outings, throwing 10 touchdowns and only one interception, including three straight games with three or more passing scores.
• Williams, who missed three games with a hamstring injury, returned last week with a 72.5% completion rate, leading the NFL in that category despite a lower volume of attempts.
• The two quarterbacks, selected No. 1 and No. 3 in the 2024 NFL Draft, have a history of facing each other, with Maye winning their first meeting 19-3 in Chicago.
• Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown is looking to bounce back from a poor performance against the Jets, where he dropped three passes and finished with just three catches.

Background

Maye's recent success follows a rough start to the season, including a 35-6 loss to the Jaguars in September where he blamed a bloodied ball for a fumble. Although he posted a career-high grade against the Raiders in Week 5, analytics suggested his performance was skewed against weaker defenses. His recent surge has stabilized the Patriots' offense, which had struggled early in the year.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports and CBS Sports both highlight Ben Johnson's praise for Maye's dual-threat ability, emphasizing his deep passing and mobility. NFL.com focuses on the mutual respect between Maye and Williams, noting Maye's admiration for Williams' pocket movement and arm talent. All three outlets agree that Maye's recent improvement is significant, with CBS Sports noting he could become the first Patriots QB since Tom Brady in 2014 to throw for three TDs in four consecutive games. NFL.com also points out Williams' dramatic improvement in accuracy compared to last season, when he ranked 32nd in the NFL with a 58.1% completion rate.

Why it matters

This matchup is a key test for both young quarterbacks, with Maye looking to solidify his recent surge and Williams aiming to prove his return from injury is permanent. The game also features a high-stakes rivalry between two top-2024 draft picks, with Maye holding a 19-3 victory in their first meeting. The outcome could influence the NFC and AFC East standings, as both teams are 4-2 and competing for playoff positioning.

What to watch

The game will be played at Soldier Field in Chicago on Thursday night at 8:15 p.m. EDT. The Bears are favored by 3 points, and the Patriots have a 3-1-2 record against the spread this season. The Bears have an NFL-high 160.7 rushing yards per game, and D'Andre Swift is on pace for a career-best rushing touchdown total.