Rookie QB Drake Maye Impresses with Patriots, Joins Elite Company

In a surprising turn of events, undrafted Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle has emerged as a breakout star in the 2025 NFL season. Dowdle, who was not re-signed by the Dallas Cowboys after rushing for nearly 1,100 yards in 2024, has taken advantage of his opportunity with the Panthers, amassing over 200 yards from scrimmage in consecutive games.

Dowdle's most recent performance was a record-setting 239-yard outburst against his former team, the Cowboys, marking the most yards from scrimmage a player has ever recorded against their previous organization. This comes on the heels of his 234-yard game in Week 5, making Dowdle the only player in the past five seasons to achieve back-to-back 200-yard games.

Elsewhere in the league, rookie quarterback Drake Maye of the New England Patriots continues to impress. Maye tied his career-high with three touchdown passes in the Patriots' 25-19 victory over the New Orleans Saints, posting a passer rating of 140.1, the second-best of his young career. Maye's strong start has put him in elite company, as he joined the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Dak Prescott, and Dan Marino as the only passers to record at least 200 passing yards and a passer rating of 100.0 or higher in five consecutive games before their 24th birthday.