The New England Patriots extended their winning streak to six games with a Week 9 victory against the Atlanta Falcons.
It created a three-way tie with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos for the best record in the AFC.
Despite the impressive run, skepticism remains about whether quarterback Drake Maye can sustain this level of play in the playoffs.
Former Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer recently addressed those doubts and delivered a clear message to anyone questioning the team’s legitimacy or the development of their young QB.
“The comfortability with which [Drake Maye] is operating Josh McDaniel’s offense, I knew it would come. I knew it would be there, because Josh is a tremendous coach, and, by all accounts, obviously, Drake is talented physically. But from the people that I know who’ve been around him, mentally, he’s just as talented. So, the fact that it’s happened this quickly. Look, it’s not sustainable to do that every single game. And so, if yesterday’s the worst that he’s gonna play, the Patriots are gonna have a chance to take a long run in this postseason,” Hoyer said.
Brian Hoyer says it's time to take the Patriots more serious as an AFC contender @bhoyer7 | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/XDg53tFLq0
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) November 3, 2025
The fact that a subpar performance now draws attention reflects how far Maye has progressed in a short time.
New England ranks sixth in FanDuel’s betting odds to win the conference and reach the Super Bowl.
Hoyer said they deserve higher placement, potentially ahead of the Colts and closer to the Buffalo Bills.
He acknowledged that fans may be waiting for the Patriots to fall back to reality following a couple of years of failure after Tom Brady left.
However, Hoyer said this current stretch represents something genuine.
Head coach Mike Vrabel has instilled a resilient culture that has the team believing it can compete with anyone.
With the NFL trade deadline at hand, Hoyer suggested a move for a player like New York Jets running back Breece Hall could elevate New England from a surprise contender to a legitimate threat.
NEXT: Drake Maye Keeps Historic Streak Going With Big Sunday Performance
