Browns Defense Prepares to Challenge Patriots QB Drake Maye’s NFL-Leading Pass Efficiency

Drake Maye is having a breakout second season, leading the NFL in completion percentage (75.2 through seven games) while piling up 1,744 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and just two interceptions as the Patriots sit atop the AFC East at 5-2. He’s been especially deadly on deep throws — a perfect 158.3 passer rating on attempts over 20 yards (14-of-18 for 414 yards and five TDs) — and has entered the MVP conversation. Cleveland’s players and coaches have loudly acknowledged Maye’s talent (CB Denzel Ward and S Grant Delpit) and safeties coach Ephraim Banda even called him a “morph” of Ben Roethlisberger and Josh Allen, a “superfreak.” Still, the Browns present a stiff challenge: they rank among the league’s best in pass yards allowed (third, 173.7) and come in hot after a dominant defensive performance (six points allowed, four turnovers), boosted by the addition of Tyson Campbell. All‑pro DE Myles Garrett (25 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five sacks) represents a disruptive matchup off the edge, and Maye has acknowledged Cleveland will be a tough test. New England enters Week 8 as a seven-point favorite, making Sunday’s game a key midseason measuring stick for both teams.