NFL News & Notes: Drake 'Drake Maye' Maye Emerges, Plus Injured Quarterbacks
Heading into the NFL's Week 12, Drake Maye of the New England Patriots is among the league leaders in several quarterback categories.
The former University of North Carolina standout, now in his second NFL season, is leading the league in passing yards with 2,836, according to stats compiled by USA Today. He is third in touchdown passes (20), only behind the Rams’ Matthew Stafford (27) and the Lions’ Jared Goff (21). Maye’s passer rating of 113.2 is tops among players with 10 or more games.
As his popularity grows, even his combined name/nickname frequently pops up on social media sites.
The Drake “Drake Maye” Maye nickname has even appeared in a tweet from the Boston Celtics. This recently occurred when the NBA team noted that Maye and rookie offensive lineman Will Campbell attended a game together.
The origin of Maye’s nickname is unclear, but it even was perpetuated recently when Campbell playfully interrupted a Maye news conference to say the quarterback’s name and nickname. Campbell also was on camera recently admitting he is biased but regards his friend Maye as the best player in the NFL.
So far, Maye and his team have earned the attention.
Under first year head coach Mike Vrabel, and with new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels revamping the team on that side of the ball, the Patriots are leading AFC East with a 9-2 record. This Sunday (Nov. 23), the team travels to Cincinnati to face the Bengals (3-7). At DraftKings Sportsbook, the Patriots are favored by 8.5 points.
Injured Quarterbacks
As VSiN’s Bill Adee noted this week, NFL quarterbacks “seem to be in short supply due to injuries or talent."
Here’s Adee’s list heading into Week 12 action:
- The Falcons placed Michael Penix Jr. (ACL) was placed on injured reserve (four-game minimum). Kirk Cousins and Atlanta are 1.5-point underdogs at New Orleans.
- The Steelers confirmed a minor fracture in Aaron Rodgers’ left wrist. Rodgers still hopes to play vs. the Bears (-3).
- C.J. Stroud (concussion) is highly likely to miss the Texans’ TNF matchup, which means Davis Mills would start vs. the Bills (-5.5).
- The status of Bryce Young (ankle) will be updated later in the week. The Panthers (+6.5) play the 49ers on MNF.
- The Jets will start Tyrod Taylor vs. the Ravens (-13) in place of Justin Fields.
- The Browns’ Dillon Gabriel and Giants’ Jaxson Dart are in concussion protocol.
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