Following New England’s 24–17 win over the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium, SNY Jets reporter Connor Hughes offered a candid assessment of the Jets’ quarterback situation. Despite Justin Fields finishing the day with 116 passing yards and a touchdown, Hughes argued that the quarterback wasn’t the team’s biggest problem.
“Justin Fields was not the Jets’ biggest issue against the Patriots,” Hughes told SportsNet New York.
“But that guy on the other sideline, that dude that goes by the name of Drake Maye? He showed why, this offseason, the Jets need to do whatever they can to get the guy that they believe is a franchise quarterback on their roster, because once you have that player on your team, he makes all the difference.”
Hughes went on to explain how the Patriots, who went 4-13 in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, righted the ship by developing QB Drake Maye and building a team around him.
Hughes continued, “Think about the Patriots the last few years. They were a disaster, one of the worst (teams) in the entire NFL. “They drafted Maye last year, they started to develop him a bit as a rookie. Now, (they) put the (right) coaching staff … (and) nucleus around him, and you’ve seen what a difference he makes. He changes everything.”
Hughes also commended Maye’s composure under pressure and his ability to hit precision passes down the field.
He added, “There were times on Thursday night where the Jets got pressure, (but) it just didn’t matter, because Maye moved within the pocket to buy his guy’s time and then hit them down the field.”
Hughes added, “This is a Patriots team that last year was 4-13. This year, with Maye in year two, they are 9-2, contenders within the AFC, and undeniably the best team right now in the AFC East.”
Maye has been nothing short of outstanding this season, posting a 113.2 passer rating while throwing for 2,836 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just five interceptions through 11 games. His blend of efficiency, poise, and playmaking has earned him admiration across the league, not just from opposing coaches, but from his fellow players too, like wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Do you agree with SNY reporter Connor Hughes on why why New England QB Drake Maye’s success is a wake-up call for the Jets? Will the Jets be able to find their own franchise quarterback like Maye or do they have more pressing problems than just finding a star quarterback they can build their team around? Let us know in the comments.
