Skeptics tend to question nearly everything. One area that continues to elicit skepticism, despite the available evidence, is whether Patriots quarterback Drake Maye will emerge as a star in 2025. It’s good talk show fodder, but sometimes it defies logic.

Why there should be any doubt, especially among Patriots’ astute observers, is almost unfathomable. They have witnessed the rookie Maye exploding onto the scene in 2024, and after his performances, there should be little or no doubt whatsoever that with an actual, NFL-quality supporting cast, he’ll excel in his sophomore year.

Regardless, one former Patriots player and now talk show host has done just that. It’s former Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson, who starred for years for the Pats on the defense’s second level. Perhaps his experience on defense rather than offense explains his somewhat surprising commentary.

Analyst questions whether Drake Maye has the mental capacity to succeed

Karen Gureghian of MassLive spoke to Johnson, who expressed skepticism about Maye’s future.

“If you look at all the interceptions, and only one win last year, I understand the trepidation,” Johnson said. “I think he’s a special player. I think he has special traits. But I do wonder if he has the mental aptitude, or the mental skill set to match what his natural talents are.

Whether it comes from leadership, whether it comes from a clutch gene, whether it comes from just being the man, the face of the franchise, I was kind of hoping I’d hear some stories this offseason that he was bringing guys together, that he was throwing with guys.”

It makes me hesitate to think that he might be the guy, ultimately because of those things. But his talent is undeniable. His skills are undeniable.”

It’s hard to know where to begin to tear this lack of faith in Maye apart. First, he questions Maye’s ability to assimilate the mental aspects of the game. Is this the same pre-draft rookie who wowed the New York Giants staff with his uncanniness to dissect a play? Hint: it is.

Ted Johnson misses the boat on Drake Maye analysis

Johnson also cited Maye’s 10 interceptions last season as a cause for concern. That’s silly. Maye had no offensive line at all in 2024, nor did he have a No.1 or No. 2 receiver. If those two factors don’t mitigate that situation, nothing will.

Maye had little to no time to pass most of the time. Patriots quarterbacks were sacked an astounding 52 times last season and often had to run for their lives. Despite the two glaring deficiencies, Maye still completed a whopping 66 percent of his passes as a rookie.

In addition, Johnson totally neglects to mention that Maye had no first-team snaps at all in the pre-season, with coach Jerod Mayo favoring journeyman Jacoby Brissett for those snaps. Those decisions helped put Mayo in the unemployment line immediately after the final game. The Patriots also lost six games by one score. A quarterback can’t do it all by himself.

There’s also the thought that he should have brought his teammates together this offseason. Maybe so, but he was a bit busy. He was married recently. But, at least Johnson got one thing right. He acknowledged that Maye’s talent is “undeniable”.

Ultimately, Drake Maye’s skills, determination, and leadership abilities will make the difference. Maye has all of that in abundance. He has everything he needs to be a star, or perhaps even a superstar, in the NFL, if he has the requisite supporting cast. Hopefully, now he does. If so, it will be on display beginning in September as he leads a Patriots’ trek to the playoffs in 2025, no matter what Ted Johnson thinks.