The offence of the New England Patriots was in dire need of a boost. In the NFL Draft of 2024, enter with the third overall pick.
Head coach Jerod Mayo revealed on Wednesday that rookie quarterback Drake Maye will start for the Patriots on Sunday against the Houston Texans, taking Jacoby Brissett’s spot. Though Maye’s durability against a haphazard offensive line facing a fierce Texans pass rush raises questions, New England’s offence has performed so poorly under Brissett in recent weeks that a change was required.
Will the game strategy alter if the quarterback changes, though? Or will Maye see the majority of the plays that offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt called for Brissett in Weeks 1 through 5? When asked that question during his first press conference as the Patriots’ starting quarterback on Wednesday, Maye kept it cool.
“I think the biggest thing is just me playing on time, playing in rhythm and just trusting the guys around me,” Maye stated. “That might change—a rookie quarterback is clearly on the field—but our offensive strategy remains the same.
We’re trying not to divulge too much information about the game plan since we have a game on Sunday. Just
We should anticipate “more shotgun formations and more move-the-pocket concepts” for Maye, who is quicker and more athletic than Brissett, according to Patriots Insider Phil Perry, who stated on Wednesday that Van Pelt thinks it’s “vital” to scheme around his players.
Maye’s physical attributes may enable him to prolong plays and evade pressure, something that Brissett struggled with throughout the first five games. Thus, it was intriguing to learn that the 22-year-old will adopt a more cautious strategy at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.
“I think early on, just take what they give me and find completions,” Maye stated. “That, in my opinion, is the most important factor for a rookie quarterback entering there. After that, stop attempting to find off-platform, off-play, or off-schedule throws. Simply sort of feel it out and go play football, in my opinion.
The main issue, in my opinion, is occasionally trying to leave your pocket when it’s not necessary and doing other small things like that. Thus, just walk outside and play while staying inside your pocket and having faith in your feet.”
Following Maye’s brief appearance in the fourth quarter of New England’s Week 3 defeat to the New York Jets, Van Pelt informed Perry that there were some “things to correct” with his footwork, noting that the youngster reverted back to past habits while under pressure. Therefore, it’s probable that Maye is aware that he needs to play football this time that is more technically sound.
Under Brissett, the Patriots’ offence was the least explosive in the league; eventually, though, they’ll need Maye to step outside the box and produce big plays. It would be interesting to see how Maye manages to maintain his basics while attempting to be a playmaker on Sunday starting at 1 p.m. ET.
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