Drake Maye’s off-field growth is beginning to match his on-field improvement.
Maye wasn’t great on Sunday, but he and the New England Patriots earned a convincing 19-3 win over the Chicago Bears as New England’s defense smothered Chicago’s disjointed offense. However, days before the Week 10 matchup at Soldier Field, the rookie quarterback delivered a needed message to his struggling offense.
Drake Maye Sent Message to Patriots Offense After Bad Practice
During the second quarter, Fox sideline reporter Laura Okmin revealed that Maye gave a speech to the Patriots offense after an ugly practice. Okmin, quoting offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, said the speech marked the first time Maye had addressed the entire offense since taking over as New England’s starting quarterback.
“This week was a big step for Drake,” Okmin said. “He was frustrated with how practice went, didn’t think they were as locked in as they needed to be. So, he asked Alex Van Pelt if he could address the offense for the first time. Alex said, ‘The floor is yours.’
“First time [Maye] got in front of the offense. Alex said, ‘Great response, everyone really reacted well to him. … We need that leadership from him.'”
The @NFLonFOX crew says #Patriots rookie Drake Maye was frustrated with the offense not being locked in this week and he addressed them himself.
OC Alex Van Pelt says it was a big step for Maye in regard to his leadership.
Love to hear it. pic.twitter.com/mD2LMBPRfG
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) November 10, 2024
Patriots fans understandably are dreaming big about Maye’s elite talent, but they should be just as excited by the leadership and overall demeanor displayed by the third-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Whether he becomes a true franchise QB remains to be seen, but he clearly has the ability and off-field maturity to develop into a top NFL quarterback.
How Did Maye Perform in Win Against Bears?
Again, not that great.
Maye completed 15 of 25 passes for 184 yards and one touchdown along with one interception. The rookie quarterback added three carries for 25 yards and was sacked once.
Maye, who rightfully credited his defense after the win, was lucky not to throw at least two more interceptions. He also threw multiple hospital balls and didn’t appear to see the field well at times. Maye wasn’t bad, but he was sloppy against one of the NFC’s top defenses.
How can you not love Drake Maye?
Before beginning his presser, Maye tells reporters to put their phones and notepads down, and asks them to “clap it up for the defense.”
That is a leader. pic.twitter.com/JHKHjIziPp
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) November 10, 2024
Entering this game, Maye ranked 11th among all QBs with nine turnover-worthy plays, according to Pro Football Focus. His turnover-worthy-play percentage (5.1%) was the highest among all QBs with at least four starts. Those numbers will go up after Sunday’s performance.
Maye’s talent is immense, but there’s undeniable sloppiness in his game.
What Maye, Jerod Mayo Said About QB’s Speech
During his postgame news conference, Maye was asked to provide details on his speech to the offense.
Here’s his full answer:
“Just little things. I think just taking that next step of being the quarterback in the offensive meeting room. These little things that are adding up and hurting us in practice that are leading to gameday.
“Just little details and focus. I think, sometimes, you get into practice mode where you’re just running plays and not really tuned in and trying to execute specific plays. Trying to just get into a groove — ‘Hey, we’re running plays out here for just nothing.’
“Just really trying to challenge those guys and challenge myself to take each play and know that when the game comes and this play’s called, it matters. There’s so many times throughout the game you see how much that play can impact the turnout of the game. So, I was just trying to get through to them. Probably fumbled some words trying to do it, but I think those guys respected it.”
Ja’Lynn Polk gives Drake Maye 10/10 as a public speaker, and said his mid-week speech was needed. pic.twitter.com/cAnRQDd35V
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) November 10, 2024
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo also was asked about Maye’s speech.
“Drake has addressed the offense numerous times,” Mayo said. “I think it goes back to now he’s starting to really take control of the offense and the team.
“When you go out there and perform at a high level, that’s the first step. The next step is to bring others with you, and I think he’s on his way to doing that.”
The 3-7 Patriots will host the Los Angeles Rams next Sunday in Week 11.