How did Drake Maye win Tom Brady’s approval after a rough start? (Image via Getty Images)
So, when Drake Maye struggled early in the 2026 NFL season, the former quarterback did not rush to write him off. Maye has thrown 10 touchdown passes with just one interception, a sharp contrast to his opening performances. He’s only in Year 3. He spent 20 seasons with the franchise and knows how quickly criticism can build when the Patriots fail to meet their usual standards. In Week 6, he completed 18 of 32 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns. New England faced the Chicago Bears on Thursday night in its Week 7 matchup, giving Maye another opportunity to extend the winning streak. Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news , check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule .
The Patriots lost two of their first three games, and Maye threw six interceptions during that stretch. However, New England has since won three straight games. The Patriots also won their third consecutive game, giving their quarterback a chance to build on his recovery.
“I think [his bounce back] shows a ton of mental toughness,” Brady said. Tom Brady has seen plenty of difficult starts during his time with the New England Patriots. Instead, Brady praised Maye’s mental toughness after the young quarterback responded with a strong run of performances. Maye’s improved numbers have caught Brady’s attention, and the seven-time Super Bowl champion believes the quarterback deserves credit for his response. Maye’s first three games raised questions about his form. He threw just one touchdown pass against six interceptions, leaving the Patriots searching for answers on offense. The quarterback, who finished as the MVP runner-up last season, needed to show that he could handle the pressure and regain his rhythm. He has done exactly that over New England’s last three wins. Recently, Brady addressed the turnaround in comments during the FOX broadcast segment. The former Patriots quarterback praised Maye’s ability to recover from the difficult stretch. “He got off to a slow start. Look, he’s still a young quarterback. Brady also credited offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and the team’s efforts to understand what works best for its offense. “He’s got a great play caller in Josh McDaniels. They’re figuring out what they’re good at. That’s what the Patriots always do early in the season,” Brady added. The comments offer a reminder that Brady understands the expectations surrounding New England. Maye’s recent performances give New England a reason for optimism. The improvement has been particularly striking in the touchdown-to-interception numbers. After throwing six interceptions in his first three games, Maye has committed just one over the next three victories. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Still, the challenge does not end with a few strong performances. The Patriots need Maye to maintain that level against defenses that can pressure him and force difficult decisions. In Brady’s case, the encouraging sign is not simply the improved passing production. It is the way Maye responded after a difficult start. The young quarterback faced early criticism, adjusted his game and helped the Patriots get back on track. Now, he must keep delivering as New England looks to sustain its momentum. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.