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ESPN Analyst Compares Drake Maye to Young Ben Roethlisberger
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- ESPN Analyst Compares Drake Maye to Young Ben Roethlisberger
Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Drake Maye has undoubtedly taken a huge step forward so far in 2025. The quarterback had flashes of excellence as a rookie in 2024, but he also had several typical rookie moments.
This season, though, Maye has not only been better, but he's also been a legitimate MVP candidate . The quarterback looks much more comfortable with Mike Vrabel's coaching staff and an improved group of weapons and offensive line.
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For example, last weekend against the Tennessee Titans , Maye completed 21 of his 23 pass attempts for 222 yards and two touchdowns. The quarterback also rushed eight times for 62 yards in the dominant win over the Titans.
Now, former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky is heaping big praise on Maye.
"I think what stands out the most about Drake Maye right now is that he reminds me of a young Ben Roethlisberger ," Orlovsky said on Tuesday during "NFL Live". "Here's the thing, so often Maye sheds off that arm tackle, that in-the-pocket shove, and I think you're realizing when he was coming out of school how important that frame was."
Being compared to Roethlisberger is certainly a big compliment. The longtime Steelers QB won two Super Bowls, earned six Pro Bowl selections, twice led the league in passing yards, and holds the NFL record for career games with 500+ passing yards. The quarterback will almost certainly be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame eventually.
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The comparison makes sense for Maye. Young Roethlisberger wasn't afraid to make plays with his legs and absorb hits and also had the arm strength to hit his receivers down the field. All of that can be said about Maye as well, and the Patriots are just hoping Maye can find as much success as Roethlisberger did.
Maye has thrown for 1,744 yards with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions this season. The quarterback has his team sitting at 5-2 and in first place in the AFC East.
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