Patriots news: Insider posts Drake Maye picture after Matthew Stafford's day
The New England Patriots have been some of the best football teams in the league this season, and it may have come as a surprise to many. One reason for their success has been Drake Maye and the way he's led the offense to heights they haven't maybe since Tom Brady was on the team. His play has put him in MVP conversations, and there's no doubt that he should be atop the ladder.
He'll have some competition, as Matthew Stafford has made a compelling case to win the award this season, especially since he's had the Los Angeles Rams atop the NFC. Well, everybody knows that this is a league where you can be at the top one week, and then the next week, everything can fall apart.
That's kind of what happened to Stafford this week against the Carolina Panthers, where he threw three interceptions, and one of them was a pick-six. His MVP chances possibly dropped after a performance like that, and an insider posted the perfect picture to illustrate the race.
If Maye is able to have a strong performance against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football, there can be an argument that he leapfrogs Stafford in the MVP race.
Of course, there is still enough time in the season for things to change, so nothing will be decided this week. At the same time, if Maye can play well now and keep it going as the season ends, it could be a tight competition.
Maye has stepped up big time this season, and he's sharing the wealth amongst his receivers. It's been hard to say the Patriots have had a true No. 1 receiver because everyone is making plays. To add on to their strong offense, their defense has been one of the best in the league.
Why Is Zion Williamson Not Playing Tonight? Pelicans vs Lakers Starting 5 Revealed
Fans have been manifesting Zion Williamson’s return for so long, they got their hopes up. There was some speculation that the forward would be back tonight against the Lakers. After all, Anthony Davis could pull off a comeback against his former team. This could’ve been how Williamson’s way to break the cycle of injuries derailing what should’ve been a superstar career. But that will have to wait a little longer. The Pelicans have dropped a report ahead of the matchup in Crypto.com Arena. It put all speculation to Zion Williamson’s status today.
Williamson is officially ruled out from tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s apparently not a 100% yet after suffering a left hamstring injury.
He did make a steady return to practice. On November 19, he played against the Denver Nuggets after being cleared for on-court activity. He recorded 14 points, six rebounds and five assists in 29 minutes in Pelicans’ 125-118 loss. He returned against the Warriors, tallying 25 points and 7 rebounds in another blowout loss.
That might have fueled rumors about his impending comeback as a complete rotation piece. The Pelicans however, are not playing him tonight for injury management reasons.
The rest of the injury report featured the usual suspects, including starters, Trey Murphy III, Herbert Jones and Jordan Poole. New Orleans has made a few tweaks to the starting lineup tonight. Rookie wing Micah Peavy will join Saddiq Bey to start as forwards in Williamson’s place. Bryce McGowens and Jeremiah Fears are in the backcourt and rookie, Derik Queen will play center.
The very young starting lineup will have to contend against a relatively older Lakers lineup with formidable chemistry.
The Pelicans are treading lightly with Zion Williamson’s history
Zion Williamson has had two games to prove that he’s still a productive player. Yet you can’t fault the Pelicans for ‘managing’ his health. The lower back contusion that ended his 2024-25 season might be a non-issue now, but he’s still prone to injuries. Like the grade 1 hamstring strain at the season-opener that sidelined him for eight straight games.
It’s the Pelicans who are suffering the harsh reality of Williamson’s injury history, along with Trey Murphy, Herbert Jones, and Jordan Poole’s injuries. They come into this game as the worst team in the west, at the bottom of the barrel with a 3-17 record. There’s no expectation on them as they face the Lakers, a 14-4 team, second to only the defending champs, OKC with real championship contention.
Tonight LeBron James’ foot injury downgraded him to questionable. Marcus Smart will miss this game with him. Yet they have the same unforgiving backcourt in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura have their usual starting spots. Gabe Vincent will start in Bron’s place. If the Pelicans hold this group down, it will be a miracle.
New Orleans is probably waiting to experience what Dallas is right now. The Mavericks fired Nico Harrison, there’s a little more positivity there and some improvement within the team. The biggest sign was Anthony Davis’ return to practice after a month-long hiatus. After a few hints, AD got his wish to play against the Lakers the very next day.
The shorthanded Lakers still beat the Mavs 129-119. But Davis had a respectable 12 points and did improve the defensive performance of the team. With Zion back in practice, Pelicans fans want to enjoy the game again without the inevitable disappointment.
