Thank goodness for sports, and in our case football. Even though you’d think it could divide us along rivalries and fanbase lines, it oddly finds a way to unite us, which is why there’s no topping it. How great it is to have sports as relief or release, even if our teams let us down more often than they deliver. Big games have a way of bringing us together during stressful and emotional times. I’ve always called sports our emotionally connective tissue, as it draws family and friends from all beliefs, persuasions and backgrounds to the TV, the game or the tailgate. Sure, we can cheer for our team, root vehemently against others and always believe we’re the best. That’s what fans are supposed to do. But at the game's end it’s about the fun and the experience. It’s why we rally in celebration and commiseration. For even the most challenged of teams and their fans, hope lives somewhere between the lines and the whistles.
No matter who you vote for, root for or support on a grander scale, remember there’s someone on the other side of the aisle, probably with a very expensive beer and hot dog in hand, who can barely afford those tickets in the 300s like you but wouldn’t dare miss the game, who has the same dreams: seeing their team win, being proud of their guys and ultimately making memories with family and friends.
Let’s hope that’s how sports in America continue. As our escape, our storyland and our connection. For the chance to be a part of that, it’s why a great day of NFL football will always get our vote. Speaking of votes…
1. MAYE WATCH - While another first-year QB, Washington’s Jayden Daniels, is the current NFL rookie of the year favorite (and an MVP candidate no less), New England’s Drake Maye has been turning heads, wowing crowds, making fans and working his way up the charts. A current check of the odds has Maye, just four starts into his rookie season after sitting for the first five contests, with the fourth-best odds to win Rookie of the Year. Imagine how things could potentially look if Maye, like Daniels, who was taken second overall in the 2024 Draft, had been given a similar opportunity to start from Week 1 on.
Maye certainly has made the most of his opportunity, with impressive throws, outrageous scrambles and a presence that seems far beyond his 22 years of age and rookie status. Both he and Daniels also share a signature highlight on the season, an end of game scramble and throw that showcased their athleticism and dynamic abilities. Daniels and the “Hail Mary-land” landed a last second win, against the Patriots’ upcoming opponent no less, while Maye’s “Music City Miracle Pt. 2” only tied the game for the Pats, ultimately ending in an OT loss to the Titans. Still, it’s hard to believe he pulled that off, after being under pressure all game long vs Tennessee, and after a week in concussion protocol too!
While Maye’s efforts have only yielded one win against three defeats in his four starts, there's no denying the Pats have found their guy. No need to say QB of the future because he’s their everything now. Witness the fact that vs. the Titans Maye accounted for and was involved in all but 16 of the team’s offensive yards. And the overall numbers he’s putting up are impressive if not entirely unique.
Maye has earned, most importantly, the respect of his coaches. Said Jerod Mayo this week of Maye’s abilities and efforts, “He’s putting it all on the line. And I appreciate his competitiveness, I appreciate his heart, and I appreciate really just his overall steadiness. Especially as a rookie, you don’t really see that.”
Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt says Maye’s processing is off the charts, saying he’s ahead of where they could have imagined he’d be (hat tip to his OC there as well). And his teammates are big fans too. Defensive lineman Davon Godchaux called him “Josh Allen 2.0” this week. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez said of Maye’s last second TD, “Nobody was surprised, honestly. He makes plays like that all the time.” And receiver DeMario “Pop” Douglas, who Maye looks for frequently, said he sees the confidence in Maye growing and that the QB has “that ‘dawg’ mentality.”
His fanbase in New England is crazy for him, and that popularity may well be growing if not surging. “This is the kind of game that makes kids buy the jersey,” said Tom E. Curran after last Sunday’s 20-17 loss to the Titans because of one singular Maye moment. Maye alone could be the must see in Pats TV going forward as well. Plus, as his fanbase in Pats Nation swells his fanwagon on the national level seems to be picking up passengers as well.
“He has all the makings of someone who’s gonna be really good,” said Boomer Esiason in his weekly appearance on The Greg Hill Show last Monday. Noted Pats antagonist, and previous sideline nemesis, Rex Ryan said Monday on ESPN’s “Get UP” of Maye’s miraculous play: “This kid for New England is a stud. This quarterback’s a stud. I hate to see it.” And NBC’s Chris Simms, never shy in his criticism of QBs or anything Patriots, told Tom E. Curran this week, “I feel pretty damn good that it's going in the right way. I'm not totally sold yet, but from what I've seen to this point, he's definitely proved me wrong.”
If we want to dive into all those new age NFL analytics then there are even metrics that back up the hype behind the 22 year old (more on that in a bit). But as far as the basics, the tangibles, the old eye test, Maye is off to a flying start. He’s virtually passed every test thus far, keeping pace with the other rookie QBs from his impressive class. While he won’t get a chance to play against Denver rookie standout, Bo NIx, nor Daniels, who’s the cream of the crop thus far, he will get to go toe-to-toe with the top pick in the draft Sunday, providing for perhaps his biggest and best test yet.
2. WINDY CITY SHOWDOWN - Just two weeks ago Chicago’s Caleb Williams got to square off against Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders in a low-scoring hard fought affair that yielded the craziest highlight of the NFL season: the “Hail Mary-land” that won it for Washington, a play made possible by Daniels’ incredible athleticism (and some boneheaded moves by Chicago’s defense). Now, fresh off a loss in Arizona in which his team looked lethargic, like they had a last second loss hangover, Williams and the Bears host the orchestrator of the season’s other greatest play to date: Drake Maye and the Patriots. Should make for some good gridiron theater, even when it’s 2-7 visiting 4-4.
Clashes of the rookie titans like this Sunday can often bring out the best in each competitor, despite recent struggles or surrounding casts. While this is the first professional matchup between the two they already have a relationship, dating back to attending the Elite 11 football camp in high school in Nashville. Maye admired Williams then but now is excited to try to take his game to another level against the league’s top pick.
That’s what you want: a barometer game for the rookie studs. While both QBs have plenty of room to grow, the feeling now is Maye is doing a bit more with less, making the most of a lowered expectations environment, holding up nicely in comparison as our Meghan Ottolini wrote Friday, while the dynamic Williams, who is surrounded by much more offensive talent, seems to be on a bit of a rookie roller-coaster.
Expectations for Williams are higher than Maye, given his pedigree (Heisman winner) and that the Bears seem to have a win now or soon mindset (both play in sports crazed markets). There was talent on the Bears roster, then they drafted and signed more, like receivers Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen. At times Williams has flourished, while in other moments the pressure has gotten to him. Maye is on the run quite a bit, while Williams is on pace to be sacked 62 times this year, which would be sixth-most all-time for a QB.
Some analysts, like ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky, who has come around on Maye, say that Williams is being done dirty by his coaches. Chicago’s offensive coordinator Shane Waldron has been hearing it lately (sound familiar?), with calls for him to lose his playcalling duty, which he will retain for now. Others analysts say Williams needs to take what’s given and not always look for the home run ball (something Maye himself has said he needs to do a better job of as well). Perhaps a chance to face a Patriots defense that is 21st against the pass and 26th against the run will help Williams get back on track. Their banged up defense has had a knack for providing some “get right” magic to recent offenses.
While Williams does have some doubters, no doubt he has put some juice back in the Bears and lifted them from the dregs of the NFC. The Pats are big fans and know he’ll be a handful. “He’s like Housdini back there,” said cornerback Jonathan Jones of Williams’ escapability, while Maye added, “The play is never over with Caleb.” Something Maye knows a thing about himself.
Bears fans are fired up. Former Bears players are behind him. His rookie surges and struggles just showcase how difficult it is to adjust from the college game to the NFL. And on Sunday a chance to duel with Drake Maye could be a great showcase for his skills and the positive effect he’s having on his team, fanbase and city (if the secondary market prices are any indication fans are excited for this matchup!) Here’s hoping for a great game that is a showcase for the future of the league and leaves us looking forward to every opportunity these unique 22 year old talents get to face off.
3. BUT THAT OFFENSE - Both Caleb Williams and Drake Maye look to have the skills that will pay the bills and provide the thrills for years to come (Maye 2nd in rookie QBR, Williams 4th as of publication). And they have more in common than strong arms and a face full of pressure under collapsing lines. Each has offensive coordinators facing scrutiny for their playcalls, leaving many to wonder if they’re getting the most out of their QBs or are the right fits. While the jury is still out on Alex Van Pelt overall in New England, some advanced numbers say maybe the Pats need to let Drake be Drake.
Out of structure and when things break down, Maye excels…but did we need a fancy info-chart to tell us that? We have abundant examples already in his brief stint as QB1 of the NEP. That’s not to say Alex Van Pelt can just design an offense where chaos is the foundation of every play although with the way that offensive line blocks maybe he doesn't have to.
However, when all offensive factors are calculated, Maye drops to the bottom of the league in the stat/football term du jour, EPA (Expected Points Added) - for those who need an EPA explainer click HERE.
Maybe one of those reasons is because the pass protection around Maye has been that bad.
“Cool charts, guy…but what does this all mean?”
It means the talent in front of and surrounding Maye is not getting it done, not up to his accelerated play, and the coaches aren’t doing him any favors, either. While we all may hold those truths to be self-evident, the bigger question is how can we expect Maye to grow if the supporting cast around him is inferior to his talents? They say a rising tide raises all boats, but it seems in this case the tide can only do so much when it’s running for its life.
Van Pelt said this week the offense needs to make progress, not regress, and that includes Maye, who needs to work on secondary looks if plays break down and not just taking off (my dad used to call that picking pepper out of fly s**t.) Perhaps getting some new players into the fold will help. Van Pelt talked up rookie receiver Javon Baker, calling him “an explosive player” who should get “more reps” (we agree!) He also said rookie seventh round tight end Jaheim Bell. Could Sunday be a chance to get the rookies involved more?
Again, AVP is doing a top flight job with Maye’s development and mechanics. However, as the play-caller, it’s his designs that Maye has to execute, and if the talent isn’t there, or the plays aren't working, then all parties could be doomed. This could lead to Maye continuing to take off or create out of structure, which he does well, but can’t succeed solely that way. Perhaps Sunday in Chicago will mark a chance to see if some new life can be injected into an offense that has been “Drake, and…” for the last several weeks.
4. TRADE VERY DEAD-LINE - So how come the Patriots were so inactive at the trade deadline this past Tuesday? Josh Uche was shipped out to Kansas City the week prior, leading to speculation that more moves could be on the horizon, and then…nada.
Several players on both sides of the ball were linked in potential deals or rumored to be drawing interest from outside the organization, and yet they all remain a Patriot. While a Jonathan Jones or a Davon Godchaux, both veterans playing at a high level who can bring value on field and in the locker room, make sense to retain on a team learning its ways, a player like KJ Osborn, who has not carved out a role with the team, sticking around is curious to say the least. Receiver needy teams like the Chargers were linked to Osborn, who was a healthy scratch last week, but no deal. If Osborn doesn’t crack the lineup or contribute the remainder of the way then this will be one to look back upon with a curious eye emoji for sure.
Speaking of receivers…Kendrick Bourne knew his name was floated out there a few times but ultimately he remained where he wanted to be: New England. A sense of relief set in after wondering if he’d be informed he was on the move. Must be an anxious time for all.
Jerod Mayo addressed the deadline and the team’s lack of activity with a circularly philosophical reply.
In full double rainbow voice, “What does this mean?” It means the team is truly in develop and draft and develop mode. The patriots will continue to give opportunities to the guys they drafted, the remaining vets, the guys they poach from other practice squads (more on that in a moment) and not just blow the roster up in a reactionary capacity. Come next March, sure, they’ll likely spend heavily for positions of need given their salary cap war chest, and then draft a crop of players next April, with patience being the prime directive.
Sometimes trades can be overnight fixes (see Marshon Lattimore going to the Commanders to shore up a potential playoff team’s secondary). In the case of the Patriots they just didn’t see the value of giving up on any other players, nor altering their idea for building in the future. Perhaps this is “The Plan” 2.0?
5 NEW FACES, PATRIOTS PLACES - Seems every week there’s a new face in Foxboro, and this week is no exception. Welcome Tyrese Robinson, a guard signed off of the Minnesota Vikings practice squad, to the Pats party. A big fella at 6-foot-3, 319 pounds, Robinson has bounced around a bit since entering the league as an undrafted free agent, spending time with Washington in 2022, then making stops with Philadelphia for a season then a stint on the Vikings practice squad before being signed to the Patriots 53-man roster on Tuesday.
A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Robinson should have some familiarity blocking for Pats lead back Rhamondre Stevenson from their time together with the Sooners. If the big fella gets into a game he would be the 13th different lineman to play for the Pats, leaving them one lineman shy of tying the record of 14 different offensive lineman playing in a season. At this rate I don’t know the gambling line on the Pats setting the record but I like their chances. Which isn’t a glorious stat or record by any stretch.
Robinson’s signing underscores how the Pats roster, and offensive line, continue to be a work in progress, trying out and auditioning people who can hopefully contribute now and perhaps in the future as well. Center Ben Brown, who has several consecutive starts to his name for the team now, which at this stage is almost amazing, was signed off the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad a few weeks back.
As far as pieces on the current squad, the Pats have moved Mike Onwenu around and about and all over the line this year (wonder if he has a punch card for every position he’s played?) Lately he’s been back at left guard, away from right guard, his normal spot, which is next to right tackle, where he’s also played. With continuity being a key to offensive line success, Van Pelt was asked about it and agreed it can be a concern shifting players all about, but in Onwenu’s case he said he feels the need to put their best lineman where he can do the most for the team.
Linemen coming and going, switching sots and moving about; this merry-go-round approach is almost familiar for New England, and let’s take a moment to tip our cap to O-line coach Scott Peters for holding it together personally as he literally tries to hold it together on the line with new faces each week.
To make room for Robinson the Pats waived lineman Zachary Thomas, who was claimed earlier this season after being released by the Los Angeles Rams.
The Pats also claimed defensive end Yannick Ngakoue off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens on Friday. Ngakoue, a pass rush specialist who’s been in the league since 2016, was waived by the Ravens to make room for running back Keaton Mitchell. New England marks the seventh NFL team for the 29-year-old, who has 70.5 sacks in his career. He was also on that Jaguars team that feels like it was robbed in the 2017 AFC Championship in Foxboro. Perhaps Ngakoue was hoping to stay on with or jump aboard a contender, but now he gets a shot to join the other side and see if he can help a 2-7 team bolster their pass rush and turn things around.
6 PATSPOURRI - A few other nuggets of interest from the wide world of Patriots…
**The Patriots might actually get some needed help on both lines soon as offensive guard Cole Strange and defensive tackle Christian Barmore could be nearing a return. Though neither were in full pads at practice this week (along with rookie offensive tackle Caedan Wallace), we could see them before season’s end, providing a much needed boost to both lines. Strange told The Boston Globe’s Chris Price this week that he’s in the final stage of what he thought would be a long rehab. Where he plays upon return from his knee injury remains to be seen as there’s been some speculation he could move to center.
**While Pats Nation will have one eye glued to the Pats at Bears game to see Maye’s continued development and how he stacks up vs. Williams, they might just have to keep their other eye on another recent Pats QB.
Looks like Mac Jones will fill in for the injured Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville, giving Mac his first start for the Jaguars. Jones, dealt last spring for a 2024 sixth round pick, hasn’t started a game since late 2023 in New England. Once thought of as the future in Foxboro, Jones endured a tumultuous run following his solid rookie campaign in 2021, with disharmony in 2022 in the Matt Patricia offense, ultimately leading to his benching for Bailey Zappe last season. We wish him the best as he certainly tried while wearing the Pats uniforms. Though there will likely be some in Pats nation still holding a grudge (cuz that’s what some fans do). For the record he’s 6 for 9 passing for 28 yards and a fumble in two relief appearances with the Jags this season.
**For those about to Gronk, we salute him…at The Tradition, the Sports Museum of New England’s 23rd gala honoring some Boston sports legends like Rob Gronkowski, Terry Francona and Dee Brown, among others. The evening provides cocktails, food and a panel discussion to hear from the honorees, with tickets are available for purchase here.
**Bill Belichick, who made some noise on the “Let’s Go!” podcast this week, humorously shot down any speculative discussion of his coaching future on his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
**And in the wide world of former Patriots with podcasts, Julian Edelman hosted Michael Bennett on his “Games With Names” show to discuss Bennett’s time against the Pats and his brief but oddly memorable time in New England.
7. NTKs - Before we break the huddle, here are those “need to know” nuggets about Sunday’s game, where and how to consume it and more.
ALL-TIME: The Pats hold the 10-5 lead over the Bears in their 15 matchups. Their last matchup was the infamous “Zappe Chant” game on Monday Night Football where pretty much the Mac Jones slide into Pats oblivion began. The last Pats win vs. Da Bears was in a Windy City thriller in 2018 where the likes of Cordarelle Patterson and Josh Gordon made offensive contributions. And the most famous game between the two teams? Let’s shuffle away from that not-so-super affair, shall we?
WEATHER: Good fall football weather ahead, fans: cloudy and breezy (come on, it’s Chicago) with a high of 60.
BROADCAST: The game will be on FOX (Ch 25 locally) with Kevin Kugler and Daryl Johnston on the call and Laura Okmin on sideline duties.