The debate surrounding NFL quarterbacks intensified recently when former coach Jon Gruden expressed strong support for Drake Maye, the young quarterback for the New England Patriots. In a discussion with journalist Ryen Russillo, Gruden stated that he would not choose any quarterback over Maye, including the established star Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills.
Maye has had a remarkable second season, leading the Patriots to a 12-3 record and solidifying their position in the competitive AFC East. His impressive statistics include 3,947 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, a league-best 70.9% completion rate, and just eight interceptions. This performance has shifted perceptions of Maye, who had a modest rookie season with 2,276 passing yards and 15 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.
In his comments, Gruden acknowledged Allen’s physical talent, calling him “a freak of nature.” Yet, he emphasized that he would be “hard-pressed to trade” Maye for anyone, praising the quarterback’s growth and understanding of the game. Gruden pointed out that 2025 is essentially Maye’s first season in an offensive system designed to maximize his football intelligence.
Under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Maye has thrived, transitioning from a college system that utilized run-pass options to a professional environment that grants him greater pre-snap autonomy. Gruden stated, “What he’s doing with Josh McDaniels is phenomenal. He’s going to break some records that Tom Brady never even attained. And he’s only in his first year in this system.”
The former Super Bowl-winning coach’s admiration for Maye is not new. In November, he labeled the young quarterback as “one hell of a young quarterback,” commending his poise under pressure and ability to handle adversity. Gruden assesses quarterbacks based on their responses to challenges, a quality he first noticed in Maye during his time at the University of North Carolina.
The numbers further support Gruden’s position. While Allen has matched Maye with 25 passing touchdowns, he trails in efficiency, completing 69.6% of his passes and throwing 10 interceptions. Allen remains a dual-threat with strong rushing capabilities, accumulating 552 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. However, Maye’s precision and consistency have contributed significantly to the Patriots’ success.
The teams have faced each other twice this season, splitting the matchups, with each team securing a win. Currently, the Patriots lead the division at 12-3, while the Bills follow closely at 11-4. In the MVP race, Maye is currently positioned second with odds at +180, while Allen’s odds have dropped to +2500.
From Gruden’s perspective, these figures reinforce his view that while Allen’s physical skills are undeniable, Maye’s command of the game and potential for growth make him the quarterback worth building around. As the NFL season progresses, Maye’s performance will continue to be scrutinized, but for Gruden, the decision is clear: Drake Maye stands at the forefront of the league’s emerging talents.
