Here is the full transcript of New England Patriots Quarterback Drake Maye’s press conference following their loss to the Commanders on Sunday night:
On the fact that it looked like he had taken another step forward tonight:
“I think it was a good feeling to be out there. I think the worst part is we hurt ourselves offensively by delaying the attacks with penalties. I probably need to get us out of the huddle quicker. Other than that. I had a snap on the ground, just little things like that. I need to clean up, but at the same time it’s a good learning experience for us and we’re getting ready when it matters.”
On wowing all of New England with the play that was taken back and walking us through the play where he hit KJ Osborn:
“Yeah, I think they were focusing on the cloud. We had a kind of high-low concept on the left. I tried to work backwards and ended up coming out of the pocket. I think it would have been close if I had passed the line. It was definitely very close. I’m not sure what the TV copy looked like. But KJ just made a play and it’s a shame it got called back, but it’s the same thing, we hurt ourselves and we did it on a two-minute drive. We can’t do that.”
On the fact that they went all the way down the field on the first drive and what worked for them:
“I think the guys just did their job. I think that’s the most important thing, executing the plays that we practice every week. Finding guys, getting the ball to them is my job. Once again, we backed off and had a low snap and probably should have caught it. I think from there on out, we were second and 18. We just can’t shoot ourselves in the foot. Little things like that against a good football team. We got lucky tonight, so we just have to start better.”
On the question of how different he feels now compared to the beginning of the training camp:
“I think it was a great training camp. Not only to see our defense, but to get other defenses involved, to go out there and play and feel like we’re getting hit. I think we’re coming along. I think it was fun to be out there with some of the rookies. JP played that night. I’m sitting here in the corner. We’re just getting some of the rookies together. Finally, Layden was in there at right guard, so we’re just figuring out how to find our groove. It was a great camp, and it was tough, too. Our rookie season was long. We’ve been at it since before the draft. I’m just excited to see what the NFL season is like.”
On the fact that it looked like he had been jostled and kicked and whether he can tell us what happened:
“Yeah, I’m just trying to secure the snap. I have to get out of there. But I also think the big guy, the nose tackle, I think number 91 was his. He’s a good player. So I have to get out of there quicker. Nick is putting up a hell of a fight there, so I was able to get away from center.”
Regarding the problem with the fumbled snap:
“Yeah. I just think when you’re practicing before the game and on the sidelines, it’s a little different than when someone’s right in front of you. So we came up with something and I think after that first drive on the sidelines and from there on, it just felt good.”
Finally, to Ja’Lynn Polk, what he saw there:
“Yeah, I just had a concept of high-low crossing. JP was good at weaving through traffic, and I have to try and give him a good ball and catch and run from there. I think he does a good job of mixing different positions with JP, playing outside-inside when we’re inside at night, and he does a good job of getting free. So my job is to give him the ball and let him do his thing.”
When asked if he would feel ready to play in the first week if he were asked:
“Yeah, I think I would feel ready. I think I’m ready for whatever this football team asks of me and ready to go out there and try to help us beat the Bengals in Week 1.”
On the fact that he mentioned getting in and out of the huddle and how much he thinks he has improved in terms of operation:
“Yeah, I think it’s very important for a quarterback to dominate the team. I think I’m getting there. I’m trying to improve every week. I think on the sideline one of the offensive linemen said I would just go in there and talk really fast. I kind of do that here with the media. Sometimes I just have to slow down. I just listen to the game and look around. Like I said, dominate the team a little bit. But other than that, I feel like I keep a good eye on the game clock and just push the guys to get to the playoffs.”
What has he essentially learned now as he prepares for the 20 training camps and 20 season games?
“Yeah. The biggest thing I’ve learned from playing is probably the next game mentality. Whether it’s a good game, a bad game, a game you wish you had again. I had a couple of those tonight. Let’s move on to the next game. It’s a ‘next game’ type league. It’s a ‘next week’ type league. That’s what I’m learning in the NFL. Other than that, just enjoy it. Have fun. It’s sad, but the reality is some of these guys, especially these rookies, are going to be gone next week. Just enjoy these days with these guys. Make great memories and enjoy the time out here with the guys.”
Last week, just before the snap, you mentioned the tools you have at your disposal, especially to deal with pressure and the like, and how he feels he has made progress in that area:
“Yeah, I think that’s huge in this offense, especially when we’re not running some boring looks here in the preseason, especially as far as pressure goes. I think I’m a smart kid. I did a lot of protection stuff in college. My center and I, the protection was all on us. I think we did a good job of not having any free runners back there, but it’s a different type of league here now. They try to outsmart you. So yeah, definitely the tools, different tools to protect myself and really protect the offense. I think I’m getting there. I’ve done some of those in practice, so I’m working through them and seeing different looks every week.”
(Editor’s note: This transcript is based on available footage and may contain typos. If you notice anything, please let me know in the comments below.)
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