The New England Patriots are heading back to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2018 season. On Sunday, the Patriots clinched their trip to Santa Clara, Calif., for Super Bowl 60 after defeating the Denver Broncos 10-7 in the AFC Championship Game.
New England's offense may not have done much against Denver's impressive defense and snowy conditions, but quarterback Drake Maye did just enough to ensure the Patriots could make a return trip to the big game.
Whether it was his six-yard rushing touchdown, the only touchdown of the game, or his game-sealing scramble on the final drive of the game, Maye made sure the Patriots wouldn't be denied.
After the game, Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs spoke to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, and praised Maye for helping lead the team to the win on Sunday, calling him " a MVP."
“That’s a soldier, man. That’s a MVP, man. That’s a man that stands 10 toes, battles through adversity. He’s a hell of a QB. I’m riding with Drake Maye," said Diggs.
Stefon Diggs praises Drake Maye after Patriots' AFC Championship win
Well, we know who Diggs is voting for for NFL MVP. We're sure Patriots fans would vote the same way.
Maye didn't have to do much to pick up the win, but that's what you want from your quarterback: minimal mistakes. Maye completed just 10-of-21 pass attempts for a total of 86 yards. But most importantly, Maye had zero turnovers. Meanwhile, Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham had two turnovers, thanks to the Patriots' defense.
The Patriots have made it this far because of Maye, which is why he is a finalist for the NFL MVP Award. This season, Maye threw for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, and eight interceptions on a league-best 72.0 completion percentage. The Patriots have seen what can happen without having a top quarterback under center ever since Tom Brady left for free agency after the 2019 campaign.
During this playoff run, Maye didn't have to do too much, thanks to New England's dominant defense, which forced eight turnovers and allowed just two touchdowns in three games. Maye completed 43-of-77 throws for 551 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions, while rushing for 141 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries.
The Patriots are back in the big game, where they look to pick up their seventh Lombardi Trophy. It will be hard to count them out, especially with Maye on the roster.