Tom Brady Credits Josh McDaniels System for Drake Maye's MVP-Caliber Season
Tom Brady attributes the New England Patriots' success and quarterback Drake Maye's emergence as an MVP candidate to offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' impactful coaching and system.
The New England Patriots' improbable rise to the best record in the NFL ahead of Week 15 has stunned the league. Tom Brady, however, isn't surprised—and he knows exactly why.
Brady pinpoints Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as the driving force behind Drake Maye's transformation into an MVP candidate, crediting the quarterback's relentless work ethic as much as the system itself.
"Josh McDaniels is still one of my great friends. I've known him for 25 years. He talks about his work ethic, willingness to get better and improve week in and week out, he's a sponge for information and that's more important to me than what I see on the film. When I hear that, I know he's doing the things it takes during the week that are going to show up consistently on the field."
Brady served as McDaniels' quarterback for 13 seasons in New England, with McDaniels calling plays for 11 of those years. Under that partnership, Brady reached his peak—throwing for a then-NFL record 50 touchdown passes in 2007 and winning three Super Bowls.
"Josh McDaniels has done an incredible job this year for the Patriots. Drake is running the same system that I was in. I know how good that system is for quarterbacks, how Josh teaches these young quarterbacks and all the different reasons why he's doing what he's doing. He's in a great system to be successful."
The Numbers Back It Up
Maye holds the second-best odds to win MVP and dominates statistical categories:
- 2nd in passing yards (3,412)
- 2nd in yards per attempt (8.8)
- 2nd in passer rating (111.9)
- 4th in passing touchdowns (23)
- 319 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns
His standout skill: downfield passing. Maye boasts a 140 passer rating on passes of 20-plus air yards—best among all starting quarterbacks—completing 25 of 45 such throws for 809 yards, seven touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
That elite deep-ball accuracy fuels the Patriots' offensive firepower. New England ranks 8th in total offense and 7th in scoring offense, propelling the team to an 11-2 record and 10-game winning streak.
Brady couldn't resist taking a dig at new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel over the lopsided contribution:
"That offense, just like in the early 2000s, is carrying the defense, just like in Vrabel's defensive days when I was a young second-year quarterback in New England. That's the way it goes."
