In a battle of extremely touted rookie quarterbacks, Drake Maye considerably outplayed Caleb Williams.
Maye earned his first reputable win as an NFL beginning quarterback when the New England Patriots claimed a 19-3 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
Maye (15-for-25 passing, 184 yards) carried out higher than Williams (16-for-30, 120 yards) in the field rating, although neither had their greatest day. Maye practically doubled Williams in yards per try (7.4-4.0) with a evident hole in quarterback score (67.5-13.6) as properly.
Maye’s greatest benefits, nonetheless, had been outdoors the field rating.
The No. 3 total decide confirmed a gutsy bounce-back effort after an unpleasant first-half interception. Maye stated he ought to have thrown it away, which he ought to’ve. However these rookie errors occur.
Story continues beneath commercial
Maye overshadowed it with resilience and psychological toughness. He led the Patriots to 10 factors on two of their subsequent three possessions, which was all New England wanted. Patriots gamers once more responded to him and his management.
Williams, however, couldn’t put his frustrations behind him. A number of video clips and pictures of his physique language confirmed as a lot. Williams isn’t proud of Chicago’s scenario and he, like different teammates, has made it clear.
That frustration compounded Sunday when Williams missed routine, chain-moving throws and struggled mightily towards New England’s stress. Professional Soccer Focus credited Chicago’s offensive line for 4 of 9 sacks, which meant Williams was guilty for the opposite 5.
The No. 1 total decide held the ball too lengthy. He couldn’t sense when opposing defenders had been closing in. He seemed uncomfortable. Chicago’s teaching workers and offensive line shoulder blame for that, too, however lots nonetheless falls on Williams.
Story continues beneath commercial
Williams took a beating via 10 weeks. However Maye has, too. Maye’s response and response have been a lot totally different than Williams’. Maye already is a pacesetter asserting himself when wanted. Williams seems close to a breaking level.
It’s nonetheless early, after all. Neither Maye nor Williams shall be judged just for a Week 10 sport between two groups that gained’t attain the playoffs.
There’s cause to consider an improved teaching workers in Chicago will assist Williams attain his potential. Those self same sentiments had been made for Maye earlier than an improved efficiency from Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt at Soldier Area.
Maye clearly has a leg-up on Williams after their first head-to-head, nonetheless. And it’s not solely due to how he carried out on the sphere.
Story continues beneath commercial