The New England Patriots’ offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels, recently shared his impressions of rookie quarterback Drake Maye, and it seems that McDaniels is optimistic about what the young signal caller brings to the table. Maye, who was selected as the Patriots’ new quarterback after a successful college career, has caught the eye of McDaniels for several reasons. McDaniels, who has a wealth of experience coaching quarterbacks, including working closely with Tom Brady during his early career, sees a lot of potential in Maye’s skill set.
One of the key traits that McDaniels noted about Maye is his impressive physical tools. Maye is noted for his great size, which is a crucial asset for an NFL quarterback. Standing tall and possessing athleticism, he has the physical presence that allows him to execute plays and absorb hits in a way that many quarterbacks cannot. This is especially important in a league where quarterbacks often face significant pressure and must stand in the pocket to make throws while being rushed by defensive linemen and linebackers.
Alongside his size, McDaniels also spoke highly of Maye’s dual-threat capability. Although he is known for being a pocket passer, Maye possesses the ability to extend plays with his legs when necessary, making him more dynamic than some quarterbacks who rely exclusively on their arm. This ability to improvise, avoid pressure, and make plays with his feet gives Maye an edge in a league that increasingly demands quarterbacks to be versatile.
In addition to these raw physical attributes, McDaniels has been impressed with how Maye has developed since arriving in the NFL. The transition from college football to the professional level is a daunting one for most quarterbacks, and McDaniels understands the learning curve that comes with it. He has observed Maye’s progression in areas such as stepping up in the pocket and making the right decisions under pressure, which are crucial elements for any quarterback. McDaniels specifically pointed out how Maye has demonstrated poise in the pocket, a skill that can be particularly challenging for young quarterbacks.
McDaniels’ praise for Maye doesn’t stop at his physical abilities. He has also been impressed by the rookie’s mental approach to the game. Maye’s ability to quickly adapt to the complexities of the Patriots’ playbook and his understanding of defensive schemes have been noticeable. This cerebral aspect of Maye’s game is important for any quarterback trying to succeed at the NFL level, and McDaniels is confident that Maye has the mental makeup to thrive in New England’s system.
What may be even more telling of McDaniels’ faith in Maye is the fact that he has been given the starting role over veteran Jacoby Brissett. McDaniels and head coach Jerod Mayo have both cited Maye’s potential for long-term success, and it seems that the team is committed to giving him the experience and opportunities needed to develop. The decision to start Maye reflects the coaching staff’s belief that he can be the future face of the franchise.
Looking ahead, McDaniels has also made comparisons between Maye and Tom Brady in terms of the potential development trajectory. While it’s important to remember that no one can predict whether Maye will achieve the same level of success as Brady, McDaniels’ experience with Brady’s development gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to groom a young quarterback into a future star.
In conclusion, the early impressions of Drake Maye from McDaniels are overwhelmingly positive. His size, athleticism, dual-threat capability, mental toughness, and development so far have all been factors that have McDaniels excited about Maye’s future with the team. With Maye starting and gaining more experience, Patriots fans are hopeful that they have found their quarterback of the future.
