A curious comment from New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye about Los Angeles Chargers star Justin Herbert has set the stage for an intriguing NFL Wild Card showdown. Sports media personality Dov Kleiman shared a clip where Maye, 23, stated he was unsure if he had ever personally met Herbert, despite the two quarterbacks facing off last season and exchanging compliments.
The Puzzling Statement That Started It All
In the recently surfaced clip, Drake Maye is heard expressing immense respect for Justin Herbert's playing style and character. "I don't know if I've met Justin [Herbert]. I don't think I have," Maye said. He added, "I know him through people and have heard great things. I love his game. I love the way he throws the football." Maye praised Herbert's ability to make plays on the move, his consistency, and his team-first attitude.
This statement immediately raised eyebrows because it contradicts known events from the 2024 NFL season. During Week 17, with playoff implications on the line, the Chargers (10-6) defeated the Patriots (3-13). The two quarterbacks not only played against each other in that game at Gillette Stadium but also met on the field afterward.
History of Mutual Praise Adds to the Confusion
The irony deepens when recalling the mutual admiration both players displayed during the 2024 season. Before that Week 17 matchup, Maye had publicly lauded Herbert in a press conference. "First off, he seems like a great leader," Maye had said, according to Karen Guregian of MassLive.com. He even drew a personality parallel, noting Herbert was "more quiet and earn the guy's respect," similar to himself.
Following the Chargers' victory, Justin Herbert returned the favour. He complimented Maye's talent and offered veteran advice to the rookie. "He's obviously very talented. He's an incredible quarterback, and I'm going to enjoy watching him for years to come," Herbert told Keagan Stiefel of NESN. His advice centred on a "next play mentality," crucial for navigating the highs and lows of an NFL career.
Playoff Pressure and the Mind Games Theory
Why would Maye now claim they've never met? With the high-stakes playoff rematch looming, analysts speculate it could be a subtle mental game or a simple case of misremembering a brief post-game handshake. The pressure is immense for both teams. The New England Patriots, holding the No. 2 seed, will host the No. 7 seed Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL Wild Card Round on Sunday, January 11, at 8 PM ET. The game will once again be played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
This unexpected narrative adds a fascinating layer of personal intrigue to the tactical battle. Whether it's gamesmanship, a genuine memory lapse, or a comment taken out of context, it has certainly intensified the spotlight on the quarterback duel. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see the interaction between Maye and Herbert when they share the field this time, with a spot in the Divisional Round on the line.
