#nfl-2025

#nfl-2025

The 2025 NFL season has created many new Patriots fans across the league, particularly due to the rise of second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Although many outside New England are not exactly thrilled that the once-immortal team appears to have found their new franchise player, it's hard not to root for the humble North Carolina alum, which now includes even Tom Brady.

I saw Caleb Williams start off his 2025 season, on Monday Night Football, looking every bit like the second coming of Patrick Mahomes that he was advertised to be. He completed his first 10 passes. He was so deft on his feet that Minnesota pass rushers could never get home. And he spread the wealth, completing passes to five different receivers on his first drive alone.

Some of the more reactionary members of the fan base actually believed the 49ers were tanking the season after retooling their roster. What they really did was make themselves better and kept their contention window open for at least two more years.

"We were in a competitive moment. Tempers flared. We tried to push the guys to the edge. They went a little bit over. But at the same time, that's the edginess you have to play with when we have these opportunities."

In 11 starts from Week 6 to Week 17, Maye threw for 2,254 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while adding 409 rushing yards and two rushing scores.