LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 25: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots throws a pass against the Washington Commanders in the first quarter of a preseason game at Commanders Field on August 25, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
.Mazz is impressed with the skills of New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, but he doesn’t want the team to rush Maye and use him sooner than necessary.
Mazze: So, there’s no doubt that Drake Maye is the more talented quarterback, I don’t even think that’s even close. And the more I watch him, the more I think I underestimated Drake Maye’s talent. This kid’s talent is tremendous. I don’t know if he has what it takes to be Caleb Williams, the first pick, but he’s close. So the talent is undeniable.
Rims: Wow, do you think he’s close?
Mazze: He can throw. He can run. And he can throw across the body, right to left, like last night. The throw he made on third down early in the game was beautiful in my opinion. There were moments where you look at that and say, “Wow.” It’s so nice to see a quarterback in a Patriots uniform that has a real NFL arm, as opposed to Bailey Freaking Zappe and Mac Jones. Totally, totally different. From that perspective, it’s so refreshing to see that kind of talent behind center in that uniform after the last few years.
Mazze: Why hurry? He’s not quite there yet. You can see that. He had a short pass last night, remember that?
Rims: Oh yes, he sent it by airmail.
Mazze: He threw the back about 10 yards too far. It wasn’t even close. So, look, it’s promising. All the more reason to slow down. And I say slow down, don’t rush anything, that’s what I really mean. Go at your pace. And considering what’s ahead of them, if you put them behind that so-called offensive line, you might as well tar and feather them. He’s gone, it’s over. Like if you put him behind that line, you’re going to destroy him. Let them figure that nonsense out first and just keep doing what you’ve been doing with him, because it’s starting to show.
