It's downright impossible to compare any other quarterback in this era - or any era - to Tom Brady. What Brady did over his two-decade career will likely remain unmatched until the end of time, and the immortalized statue outside of Gillette Stadium will remind many fans of the Greatest Of All Time for generations.
But Drake Maye is already showing some Brady-like traits, and that's a good sign given many remain cautiously optimistic about what the Patriots' offense can do in Maye's second year.
The Boston Globe's Christopher Price, who is in Minnesota for New England's joint practices and preseason game with the Vikings, noted in a post on Bluesky that Maye's pocket presence and awareness are starting to grow and are somewhat reminiscent of Brady's.
"He’s starting to realize the tips and tricks of how to be his own best (offensive lineman), much like we saw at times from Brady," Price wrote. He later said that Brady's ability to put mistakes and turnovers behind him is starting to pop up in Maye's game.
Can Drake Maye continue to be Tom Brady-esque? If yes, the Patriots will be happy
You can't compare a second-year quarterback who hasn't sniffed the playoffs to a guy who has won seven Super Bowls. At this point in Maye's career, the Patriots will be pleased if he can be the franchise quarterback that Brady was, and give the organization stability at the position while leading it back towards the top of the NFL.
The one big difference between the two quarterbacks is Maye's ability to use his legs, while Brady was more of a pocket passer. But the biggest thing that jumps out in terms of how Maye is practicing and playing like Brady is the short-term memory.
Interceptions and mistakes are going to happen. That's just the nature of the NFL. Fortunately, Maye has coaches like Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels who will hold him accountable while also encouraging him to put those plays behind him and move on.
Brady had an uncanny ability to do just that, and the banners at Gillette Stadium are a big part of that. The joint practices with Minnesota this week have been a valuable test for Maye, given the Vikings have one of the league's best defensive lines, and while he has made mistakes, he's made spectacular plays.
If Maye can continue to showcase the same traits that made Brady the best of all time, the rest of the NFL will certainly be put on notice.