Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has protected himself better this season -- 11:15 a.m.

Even though Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has improved his decision making this season -- specifically sliding vs. trying to gain an extra yard or two during a scramble -- there's still some trepidation when he chooses to take off.

Maye, who ran himself into some big hits last year as a rookie, has shown a knack for knowing when the journey is done for much of the first seven games this season. However, there are still moments that spark concern, such as when he was popped at the end of a scramble against the Titans last Sunday that led to him spending a few plays in the medical tent.

In nearly every measurable way, Drake Maye is having as good a sophomore season as anyone could have imagined.

In the past, other quarterbacks made huge second-season leaps.

Nick Foles, for instance, went from a backup who threw nearly as many interceptions as touchdown passes as a rookie with the Eagles in 2012 to a Pro Bowler who racked up 2,891 passing yards and 27 touchdowns against just two picks his second year. His passer rating jumped from 79.1 as a rookie to 119.2 the next year.

Through seven games, Maye leads the league in completion percentage (75.2), he's top 10 in completions (152, tied for ninth), yards (1,744, eighth), and touchdowns (12, tied for eighth). His leap in terms of passer rating (from 88.1 a year ago to a league-high 116.4 this season) is the second-largest leap a quarterback has made since 2000.

The Patriots return to Gillette Stadium on Sunday for the first time since Week 4.

Here are four things to watch for in their game against Cleveland . . .

1. Can the Patriots stop rookie running back Quinshon Judkins?

Judkins is averaging 77.8 rushing yards per game, while the Patriots have yet to let an opposing running back eclipse 50 yards in a game. Judkins has also registered a league-high four runs of at least 30 yards this season, while the Patriots have yet to surrender such a play.

Can the Patriots extend their win streak to five? Follow live updates as they take on the Browns. - The Boston Globe