Patriots
“He’s out here trying to get better every day.”
Drake Maye had a tough practice against the Eagles pass rush. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
The Patriots are opting for the “slow and steady” approach this preseason with their potential franchise quarterback Drake Maye.
The third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has cemented himself as the second quarterback on New England’s roster this summer, with Jacoby Brissett making most of his appearances in training camp with the Patriots’ expected starters.
Even in New England’s season opener against the Panthers last week, Maye only played seven snaps, with most of the snaps going to Bailey Zappe and Joe Milton at Gillette Stadium.
Admittedly, the Patriots shouldn’t rush Maye into a game against NFL competition in September, given the problems with New England’s offensive line and the luxury of having an experienced bridge starter in Brissett.
But even though New England has been cautious with Maye’s appearances this preseason, Mayo is impressed with what he’s seen so far from the 21-year-old quarterback.
“He’s stable. I think if I had to say one word, it would be stable,” Mayo told reporters Tuesday before New England and the Eagles’ joint practice. “He’s always in practice, always learning. He’s here trying to get better every day. He’s going to get more reps this week. If that’s the underlying question, he’s going to get more reps this week.”
Although Maye barely touched the field last week against the Panthers at Gillette Stadium, Mayo emphasized that the young New England quarterback gained plenty of experience from the sidelines in his first NFL appearance.
“I would also say that when he wasn’t in the game, he was still listening and mentally educating himself, which is very important,” Mayo said. “I always talk to all players: When they’re not in the game, they should be mentally educating themselves and going over the checks in their head. He definitely did that.”
Maye had some highlights during Tuesday’s joint practice against Philadelphia, most notably a fantastic throw (and catch by fellow rookie Ja’Lynn Polk) with Shon Stephens in coverage.
But Mayo’s comments last week that he wanted to limit Maye’s appearances behind New England’s second consecutive offensive lineman may have come true Tuesday afternoon.
Philly enjoyed New England’s pass defense throughout Tuesday’s practice. The Boston Globe Ben Volin recorded “half a dozen sacks” during Maye’s final two 11-on-11 periods on the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium.
Although New England’s O-line issues have plagued the team over the past two seasons, Maye also stressed the need to be quicker when the ball is snapped.
“I have to get the ball out on the first few attempts, I can’t take sacks in two minutes,” Maye said. “Whether I feel something or it’s coming from behind or whatever, I have to get the ball out. Other than that, I just try to get finishes, whether it’s hitting the backs, trying something or trying to get us moving. That’s the main thing.”
While it may take some time for Maye to earn a starting position on this roster, the former UNC signal-caller has enjoyed the ups and downs that come with his first NFL training camp.
“Ups and downs,” Maye said of Tuesday’s reps. “I think I threw the football well in 7-on-7. The first team period was OK. Great reps to learn from, great defense. They do a good job. Some big guys up front, some different looks. It’s a great learning experience.”
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