TWSN’s Marissa Myers wrote about this earlier this year, and with Drake Maye about to get serious preseason action, this is a good time to discuss this with Patriots fans.
Maye only played in one series in his preseason debut, and the biggest problems he will face are similar to those of Mitchell Trubisky, Justin Fields and other highly touted quarterbacks.
Maye’s biggest strengths are his athleticism and rushing ability, but what concerns me are the day-to-day tasks of an NFL quarterback, such as footwork in the pocket, moving slightly to avoid rushers while keeping his eyes on the field, and overall consistency down to down.
“After two seasons starting at UNC, Maye finished with 7,990 yards and 62 touchdowns, but 16 interceptions and 26 total turnover-worthy plays. That’s the first problem that will make Maye a bad choice with the New England Patriots. When Maye is under pressure, it leads him to make risky decisions that often result in either interceptions or near-interceptions. When he went clean in 2023, he had a 74.5% completion rate, but that dropped to 44.4% under pressure. That’s an even bigger problem considering the Patriots allowed a 20.3% pressure rate last season, with 127 pressures, which was the 17th-highest, and 48 sacks, which was the ninth-highest. While Maye was still decent last season with 3,608 yards and 24 touchdowns, it was still a drop from the 4,293 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2022.”
The Patriots also have no chance of success, having just traded star edge rusher Matthew Judon and having only Demario Douglas and two rookie receivers, Javon Baker and Ja’Lynn Polk. The Patriots are almost raising the white flag, knowing this will be a season where they’re likely to punt.
Maye actually brings better running skills compared to what the Patriots have had in the past, as he ran for 1,547 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Jerod Mayo and coordinator Alex Van Pelt will ensure that talent is added and Maye is given the best possible situation.
Since Maye had a rocky start to his career, I dare to predict that he will never be the quarterback of the franchise.
For more NFL content, check out the links below:
–Top 10 NFL quarterbacks after the draft for the 2024 season
– Far too early AFC playoff predictions after the 2024 NFL Draft
–Anthony Richardson is named NFL MVP in 2024-25
