In a one-point loss against the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 1, Drake Maye had another terrific performance that boosted the confidence of Patriots fans.
Upsides
He recorded an 80% completion rate—the highest so far in his career—completing 24 passes out of 30 attempts. He threw for 238 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. On top of that, he added five carries for 59 yards, averaging 11.8 yards per carry, according to ESPN.
It’s no surprise Maye is being considered for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Maye, as expected, has a strong arm. He is capable of fitting the football into tight windows and delivers passes with impressive accuracy and velocity. So far this season, he has thrown for 1,458 yards and has a passer rating of 85.4.
Maye is a dual-threat quarterback, and his mobility has surprised many. In the final drive of the fourth quarter during week nine’s game against the Tennessee Titans, Maye showcased his elusiveness by buying himself an extra five seconds in the pocket. He escaped multiple rushers and remained poised under pressure, completing a pass to running back Rhamondre Stevenson that extended the game to overtime. Maye completed the pass while being tackled by two defenders.
In the loss to the Colts last week, he also executed a 41-yard run—the longest of his career so far—demonstrating his speed.
Maye addressed the team following a subpar practice before the game against the Chicago Bears, according to Fox Sports reporter Laura Okmin.
“It lit a fire under us,” Patriots’ offensive lineman Mike Onwenu told the host of NBC’s “Next Pats Podcast,” Phil Perry, adding, “That sort of thing makes us want to go to war for him.”
It is clear Maye is becoming more vocal and has a strong presence on the team. In an interview with an ESPN reporter, rookie wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk said, “Everybody on the team loved [the address].”
Downsides
Maye’s lower-body mechanics remain an area for improvement. His inconsistent footwork, particularly his drop-back steps after the snap, was a problem during his time at University of North Carolina and remains a significant issue in the NFL. Despite making progress, he still needs to dedicate time and effort to enhancing this aspect of his game.
Maye has thrown seven interceptions over 10 games and lost three fumbles, bringing his total turnovers to 10—an average of one per game. His ability to protect the football is a major concern. The turnovers, however, are not entirely Maye’s fault. One reason for Maye’s turnovers is the weak protection up front.
Despite these concerns, Maye remains optimistic.
“Right now, I wouldn’t say [the turnovers are] a problem. Most of my turnovers aren’t being careless, throwing the ball carelessly into difficult spots,” Maye said on WEEI’s “Afternoon Show.” “I put the ball in harm’s way, not protecting the football but I wouldn’t say it’s a problem.”
The Bigger Issue: Patriots’ Offensive Line
While Maye’s flaws are evident, a larger issue looms over the team: Can the Patriots provide a solid future for their franchise quarterback?
The Patriots have significant gaps to address, particularly on the offensive line.
Impacted by multiple injuries, the Patriots have shuffled different combinations on the offensive line, disrupting cohesion and consistency.
In pass protection, the line has allowed 35 sacks over 12 games, averaging nearly three sacks per game, according to NFL.com. In the matchup against the Colts, the line allowed four sacks. These performances have increased the pressure on Maye, directly affecting his decision-making and raising the likelihood of injury.
The offensive line has also struggled in run blocking, ranking 30th in the NFL with a run block win rate of 68%, according to Sharp Football Analysis. The Patriots have a stuff rate of 17%, meaning on 17% of rushing attempts, the ball carrier is tackled at or behind the line of scrimmage.
The Patriots’ defense, while not as disappointing as the offensive line, is far from elite. The unit has allowed 307 points over 13 games, ranking 20th in the league, per The Football Database.
Moving Forward
Maye has proved himself to be talented and confident to lead the organization. Instead of drafting a wide receiver, as many mock drafts suggest, the Patriots may need to prioritize addressing their offensive line issues to secure a better future for Drake Maye and the team as a whole. With a few more years of rebuild, the Patriots could return to competitiveness.
The Patriots will face the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 15, at 4:25 p.m., at State Farm Stadium.
