Falcons' Defensive Coordinator Praises Drake Maye as a Miniature Josh Allen
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has been drawing comparisons to reigning NFL MVP, Josh Allen, and Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich believes the similarities are more than just surface-level. "He's way better than I wanted him to be," Ulbrich said in a recent interview. "He feels like a mini-Josh Allen, like a younger Josh Allen in many ways."
Ulbrich, who has had experience dealing with elite quarterbacks in his previous stint as the New York Jets' defensive coordinator, notes that Maye's mobility, arm strength, and ability to take over games with both his passing and running skills make him "a problem" for opposing defenses.
While Ulbrich acknowledges that he got to know Allen through a common agency and shares some similarities with the Patriots quarterback, such as their love of golf, he believes the two are distinct players. Maye, however, has made a strong case to be considered NFL MVP this season, leading the Patriots' breakout campaign in 2025.
DraftKings had Maye tabbed with the third-best odds for NFL MVP honors behind only Patrick Mahomes and Allen. So far this season, Maye has completed 75.2% of his passes for 2,026 yards, along with 15 touchdown passes and three interceptions. He has also rushed for 251 yards off 51 carries to go along with two additional touchdowns.
Maye's arm strength, mobility while scrambling out of the pocket, and ability to make plays both in the passing and running games are reminiscent of Allen's skills. However, Maye added that his connection to Allen goes beyond their similar play styles, having developed a friendship through a common agency and sharing interests such as golf.
As the Patriots prepare for their matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Ulbrich's comments serve as a reminder that Maye is an elite quarterback in his own right. With his impressive stats and skillset, he poses a significant challenge to opposing defenses, making him "a problem" for any team looking to stop him.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has been drawing comparisons to reigning NFL MVP, Josh Allen, and Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich believes the similarities are more than just surface-level. "He's way better than I wanted him to be," Ulbrich said in a recent interview. "He feels like a mini-Josh Allen, like a younger Josh Allen in many ways."
Ulbrich, who has had experience dealing with elite quarterbacks in his previous stint as the New York Jets' defensive coordinator, notes that Maye's mobility, arm strength, and ability to take over games with both his passing and running skills make him "a problem" for opposing defenses.
While Ulbrich acknowledges that he got to know Allen through a common agency and shares some similarities with the Patriots quarterback, such as their love of golf, he believes the two are distinct players. Maye, however, has made a strong case to be considered NFL MVP this season, leading the Patriots' breakout campaign in 2025.
DraftKings had Maye tabbed with the third-best odds for NFL MVP honors behind only Patrick Mahomes and Allen. So far this season, Maye has completed 75.2% of his passes for 2,026 yards, along with 15 touchdown passes and three interceptions. He has also rushed for 251 yards off 51 carries to go along with two additional touchdowns.
Maye's arm strength, mobility while scrambling out of the pocket, and ability to make plays both in the passing and running games are reminiscent of Allen's skills. However, Maye added that his connection to Allen goes beyond their similar play styles, having developed a friendship through a common agency and sharing interests such as golf.
As the Patriots prepare for their matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Ulbrich's comments serve as a reminder that Maye is an elite quarterback in his own right. With his impressive stats and skillset, he poses a significant challenge to opposing defenses, making him "a problem" for any team looking to stop him.
! He's definitely showing some serious skills out there on the field 
. I mean, 75.2% completion rate and 15 touchdowns is insane 
! But what really gets me excited is how he's developing as a quarterback - his arm strength, mobility, and ability to make plays both in the passing and running games are so impressive 
.
. And I'm not surprised to hear that DraftKings has him with the third-best odds behind only Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen 
.
. So yeah, I'm all in on Drake Maye this season 
!
maybe it puts too much pressure on him? or does it help him prove himself as an elite quarterback? 
. I mean, 75.2% completion rate and 15 TDs already? That's straight fire 
!
. It's crazy to see him drawing comparisons to Josh Allen, especially since they're not exactly alike... I mean, Maye's more of a dual-threat QB, whereas Allen is more of a traditional pocket passer 
!
oh man i can feel how pumped up Jeff Ulbrich must be about Drake Maye! it's crazy how similar their play styles are, but it sounds like Maye is breaking out in his own way 
Maye's numbers are straight fire, completed 75.2% of his passes already and 15 TDs? That's some Josh Allen vibes 
but let's not forget Maye's own style, he's got that clutch gene 
What do you guys think about the Falcons' defense going up against Maye? 
I mean, who doesn't love a good mini-me comparison? 
Like, Drake Maye is already being compared to Josh Allen, but now Falcons' DC Jeff Ulbrich is saying he's like a mini-Josh Allen on steroids 
. Dude, that's just fancy talk for "he's really good and has some of the same skills as Josh Allen". 
