Drake Maye is having a tremendous sophomore season, and the New England Patriots have benefited greatly from that success as the No. 1-ranked team in the AFC East with a 4-2 record.

The improved quarterback play is a big reason why the Patriots are back on top of the division. Maye has thrown for 1,522 yards, 10 touchdowns and only two interceptions through six games.

His specialty has been the deep ball this season. It was a strength for him during his collegiate career, and that success has translated to the NFL level in a major way. It’s one of the reasons why ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes Maye is a top-10 quarterback in the NFL.

“So far this year, one of the craziest numbers I’ve seen is that Drake Maye, throwing the football downfield 30 yards or more in the air is 20-of-27,” said Orlovsky. “That’s almost 75 percent completion percentage. The hardest throw in football, he is completing at an outrageously high number.

“It’s the number one reason why he’s top-10 right now as a quarterback. It’s the number one reason why he’s become one of the best downfield throwers. It’s the number one reason why, New England, offensively, is having so much success throwing the football downfield.”

Patriots fans got to see that deep ball accuracy multiple times in the team’s 25-19 win over the New Orleans Saints. Two of the plays were negated by controversial offensive pass interference calls by the officiating crew. However, Maye connected on a 53-yard touchdown pass to Demario Douglas downfield.

The future is bright in New England with Maye’s arm talent finally getting the offense back on track.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Dan Orlovsky calls Drake Maye top 10 QB and reveals reason for it