Biggest Edge Patriots’ Drake Maye Proved To Have While Outplaying Caleb Williams

The final score might look different down the road, but Drake Maye’s first clash against a highly-touted rookie quarterback concluded with him outplaying Caleb Williams.

Maye earned his first legitimate win as an NFL starting quarterback when the New England Patriots claimed a 19-3 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

Maye (15-for-25 passes, 184 yards) performed better than Williams (16-for-30, 120 yards) in the box score, though neither had their best day. Maye nearly doubled Williams in yards per attempt (7.4-4.0) with a glaring gap in quarterback rating (67.5-13.6) as well.

Maye’s biggest advantages, however, came outside the box score.

The No. 3 overall pick showed a gutsy bounce-back effort after an ugly first-half interception. Maye said he should have thrown it away, which he should’ve. But those rookie mistakes happen.

Maye overshadowed it with resilience and mental toughness. He led the Patriots to 10 points on two of the next three possessions, which was all New England needed. Patriots players again responded to him and his leadership.

Williams, on the other hand, couldn’t put his frustrations behind him. Multiple video clips and images of his body language confirmed as much. Williams is not happy with Chicago’s situation and he, like other teammates, have made it clear.

That frustration compounded Sunday when Williams missed routine, chain-moving throws and struggled mightily against New England’s pressure. Pro Football Focus credited Chicago’s offensive line for four of nine sacks, which means Williams was to blame for the other five.

The No. 1 overall pick held the ball too long. He couldn’t sense when opposing defenders were closing in. He looked uncomfortable. Chicago’s coaching staff and offensive line shoulder blame for that, too, but plenty still falls on Williams.

Williams has taken a beating through 10 weeks. But Maye has, too. Maye’s reaction and response has been much different than Williams’. Maye already is a leader asserting himself when needed. Williams appears near a breaking point.

It’s still early, of course. Neither Maye nor Williams will be judged only for a Week 10 game between two teams who won’t reach the playoffs.

There’s reason to believe an improved coaching staff in Chicago will help Williams reach his potential. Those same sentiments were made for Maye prior to an improved performance from Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt at Soldier Field.

Maye clearly has a leg-up on Williams after their first head-to-head, however. And it’s not only because of how he performed on the field.