Drake Maye says he’s focusing on something bigger than an MVP

New England Patriots

“At the end of the day, winning the Super Bowl is the biggest thing.”

With just three weeks left in the NFL regular season, Drake Maye remains in the running for the league’s MVP award. 

Some of his viability for the annual accolade might have taken a hit after Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium.

But, just being in consideration for the honor alongside established stars like Matthew Stafford and Josh Allen is still a sizable accomplishment for Maye — a second-year pro who has been the primary catalyst for New England’s surge to the top of the AFC East. 

Maye still has three more games to stake his claim as MVP, especially if he goes into Baltimore and beats Lamar Jackson and the Ravens in a primetime matchup on Sunday.

Still, speaking to reporters on Wednesday at Gillette Stadium, Maye brushed aside talk of his standing as a viable MVP candidate. 

“The MVP is obviously one of the big accolades,” Maye said. “It’s an honor as a player to earn that award. And I respect all the past MVPs. But at the end of the day, winning the Super Bowl is the biggest thing.

“What makes this league go is winning the big one. That’s what this team is about. I love winning. Personal accolades come with all that. I’d rather win than get personal awards.”

According to DraftKings, Maye is second in NFL MVP odds at +425 — trailing only Stafford (-300) and just ahead of Allen (+550). 

For now, Maye is focused on getting the Patriots back on the winning track on Sunday night against Baltimore. 

Maye impressed in his last showcase during a primetime slot, completing 24 of 31 throws for 282 yards and two touchdowns in New England’s 33-15 win over the Giants on Monday Night Football earlier this month. 

This is also Maye’s second Sunday Night Football bout this season. He helped New England upset the Bills at Highmark Stadium in Week 5 on SNF, completing 73.3 percent of his passes for 273 yards in that 23-20 victory over their AFC East foe. 

“That’s what you play for,” Maye said of playing on Sunday night. “That’s what we’re trying to play for, for many years down the road. Trying to be the team that people want to see at night and people want to see when the only game on is us. 

“That’s what you want this environment to be. That’s what you want the New England Patriots to be. Playing in night games that matter and home playoff games. That’s what we’re building towards and working towards. That’s one of the goals. So we’re just going to keep trying to get there.”

 

Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.