Copyright Athlon Sports
The New England Patriots have started the 2025‑26 season on a hot streak, powered by the breakout play of quarterback Drake Maye. In Week 10, the Patriots claimed a 28‑23 road victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, extending their winning streak to seven games and improving their record to 8‑2. Maye threw for 270 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing poise and accuracy while guiding a balanced offense that also rushed for 166 yards. His early-season brilliance has already put him in MVP discussions and helped New England exceed preseason expectations, proving critics wrong after a challenging 2024 season. The team’s combination of steady quarterback play, a dynamic receiving corps, and opportunistic defense has made them one of the league’s most talked-about squads. The Patriots’ performance has earned strong praise from across the NFL, including from the franchise’s greatest player, Tom Brady, who spent 20 seasons in New England and won six Super Bowl titles. On his latest NFL Power Rankings, Brady moved the Patriots up three spots to No. 3 and praised the team for their impressive game against the Buccaneers. “New England breaks into the top three with a convincing win in Tampa,” Brady said. “What more is there to say? The knock on this team had been their schedule, but they went into a hostile environment and beat a great team that was playing well heading into the game. Shout out to Stefon Diggs, who’s given this locker room a whole new attitude throughout this seven-game winning streak.” This is significant praise coming from Brady, who was the central piece behind one of football’s greatest dynasties. The Patriots, now on a seven-game win streak, have continued to exceed expectations, with Maye leading a disciplined offense. Many now consider New England legitimate Super Bowl contenders, thanks to their deep roster, strong coaching, and Maye’s steady emergence as a top-tier quarterback.
