Tom Brady shares honest feelings on Drake Maye as Patriots take first division lead since 7x Super Bowl champ's departure

Tom Brady praised Drake Maye’s poise and intelligence as the New England Patriots climbed back to the top of the AFC East. It marked their first division lead since Brady’s departure five years ago.

Brady guided the Patriots to six Super Bowl championships. Maye steers a five-game win streak and the team is sitting at 6-2.

"Well, I think he's obviously very smart and detailed," Brady said on Monday, via Sports Illustrated. "I always appreciate the quarterbacks in the NFL that read coverages, throw to the open guy, play on time. Josh (McDaniels) is just so good at instructing him in that way."

Carlos A. Lopez

@LosTalksPats

Tom Brady on #Patriots QB Drake Maye: “Well, I think he’s obviously very smart and detailed. I always appreciate the quarterbacks in the NFL that read coverages, throw to the open guy, play on time… Josh [McDaniels] is just so good at instructing him in that way.” (🎥 @SInow)

Maye’s numbers heading into Week 8 validated that observation. He led the league with a 75.2% completion rate, ranked second in passer rating at 116.4 and third in yards per attempt at 8.6. Across his first eight starts, he has recorded 1,744 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and two interceptions.

Tom Brady teases comeback after watching Drake Maye's development

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Tom Brady joined a moment between Drake Maye and Rob Gronkowski, who FaceTimed his former quarterback during an on-field interview at Gillette Stadium on Sunday. Gronkowski told Brady that he was standing beside his “new favorite quarterback."

In response, Brady talked about how Maye’s natural athleticism has been tempting him to reconsider retirement.

"I wish I had a lot of things that these guys have," Brady said, via Fox Sports. "I might've made a decent career myself if I could do some of the things that kid can do."

Maye's Week 7 performance against Tennessee was impressive, completing 21 of 23 passes for 222 yards and two scores. It was a single-game accuracy mark higher than any Brady achieved during his New England career.

Maye continued to add to his résumé on Sunday, throwing three touchdown passes in the third quarter of New England’s 32-13 win over Cleveland. The second-year passer has logged seven straight games with at least 200 passing yards and a passer rating above 100.