FOXBORO, Massachusetts – Drake Maye threw three touchdowns on nine red zone passes during New England Patriots training camp on Monday at Gillette Stadium.
The rookie quarterback also performed well in a 7-on-7 period without the threat of a pass rush. He hit 3-of-6 in six snaps in the red zone at 7-on-7 and scored two touchdowns. He also hit 5-of-8 in 14 snaps at 11-on-11 and scored another touchdown.
Maye has looked better in 7-on-7 games in camp, both on Sunday (he reportedly shot 7-of-10) and Monday. Given Jerod Mayo’s own concerns about the second line of attack, it’s fair to point that out, even if it’s not “real” football.
more patriots
Observations at Patriots training camp: A first for Bailey Zappe (not in a good way)
Reading time: 5 min.
Patriots fans should feel cheated after watching non-Drake Maye rookies impress
Reading time: 4 min.
During 7-on-7 situations in the red zone on Monday, Maye made a pass to freshman Javon Baker, who beat cornerback Marcellas Dial Jr. and caught the ball as safety Brenden Schooler closed in. Baker said his connection with Maye is “much better” now than it was when the two freshmen began training camp. Maye followed with another laser shot to freshman tight end Jaheim Bell, who beat safety AJ Thomas in the back of the end zone.
The story continues below the ad
They were striking throws. But they were not the only ones.
However, Maye opened the 7-on-7 with a near interception of Christian Gonzalez after a miscommunication with Jalen Reagor. Maye went right back to Reagor on the next snap and threw a perfectly placed ball into the back corner of the end zone. Reagor got it with his fingertips, but the pass was ultimately incomplete. Still, it was a good example for the offense, and Maye in particular. Maye ended the 7-on-7 with an incomplete pass to Kayshon Boutte, who ran right to left down the back of the end line and was one step ahead of his defender as he ran toward the pylon. Maye’s throw ultimately slipped away as Boutte couldn’t catch up. It was one that Maye immediately wanted back.
Maye played 11-on-11 behind the second line of attack, which consisted of (from left to right) Calvin Anderson, Michael Jordan, Nick Leverett, Layden Robinson and Caedan Wallace.
It was an ugly day for offense and defense, combining to issue four penalties despite referees practicing at Gillette Stadium for the second consecutive day. Maye’s group was responsible for two false starts in 11-on-11 games.
The story continues below the ad
Maye had two plays that stood out on 11-on-11 play. The first came on a pass to Reagor when Maye stepped into the pocket that closed around him. He found the veteran wideout running down the field. Maye had another nice play during an 11-on-11 period in the red zone when the Patriots offense faced a third and goal from the 2-yard line. Maye rolled to the right and connected with rookie Ja’Lynn Polk, who perfectly executed a rub route for an easy pitch and catch.
“He’s been impressive and done everything we’ve asked of him,” Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt told season ticket holders on Sunday about Maye. “He’s really studying hard and working hard. We’ve improved his foot game.”
Maye has two crucial days ahead of him: a joint practice against the Eagles on Tuesday and a preseason game against Philadelphia on Thursday night. Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said Maye will see more snaps in those game-like situations than he did in the opening preseason game. This will serve as a gauge of Maye’s progress.
