Joe Buck Compares Drake Maye to Peyton Manning: ‘Phenomenal at 23.’
Recently, Joe Buck praised New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, likening him to Hall of Famer Peyton Manning. Buck shared this sentiment during an episode of NBC Sports Boston’s “Next Pats Podcast.” He noted that while Maye and Manning have different playing styles, they share an impressive demeanor and leadership qualities.
Comparison to Peyton Manning
At just 23 years old, Maye has already made significant strides in his second season. Buck emphasized the maturity Maye displays, which he believes is reminiscent of Manning. “He’s 23 years old and just phenomenal,” Buck remarked. This maturity is especially impactful given Maye’s sports family background, similar to Manning’s.
Leadership Qualities
- Maye has garnered respect in the Patriots’ locker room for his leadership.
- Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has commended Maye for commanding the offense.
- Mike Vrabel highlighted Maye’s growth as a vital leader.
Buck relayed a conversation with Patriots tight end Hunter Henry, noting their friendship. “The fact that Hunter Henry, who’s 30 years old, is [Maye’s] closest friend… says a lot,” Buck stated. This relationship illustrates Maye’s maturity, as he tends to bond with more experienced teammates.
Impressive Season Stats
Maye’s performance in his second season has been nothing short of remarkable. He led the Patriots to a 14-3 record, a significant comeback from the previous year’s 4-13 finish. His statistical achievements include:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Passer rating | 113.5 |
| Yards per attempt | 8.9 |
| Passing touchdowns | 31 |
| Passing yards | 4,394 |
Both Maye and Manning experienced difficulties during their rookie seasons but have shown promise leading into their second years. While Manning faced a home loss in the divisional round in his second season, Patriots fans are optimistic about Maye as they prepare for the upcoming playoffs against the Texans.
Future Outlook
Buck believes the Patriots have found a long-term solution at quarterback in Maye. “I think for the rest of the country, they’re looking at the Patriots and going, ‘Oh, they did it again,’” he observed. As Maye continues to evolve, he could very well be in contention for the NFL MVP title.
