New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has been turning heads since stepping into the starting role in Week 6, replacing Jacoby Brissett. Despite the team holding a 2-4 record since the switch, the rookie has injected a much-needed spark into the Patriots’ offense. Under Maye’s leadership, New England is now averaging 20 points per game, a significant improvement over the 12.4 points they averaged with Brissett at the helm.
Maye has thrown for nine touchdowns with a passer rating of 87.5, giving Patriots fans something to cheer about amid a challenging season.
Maye’s success has come with growing pains, as the young quarterback learns on the fly, but his play has shown promise that suggests a bright future.
His poise in the pocket and ability to make plays downfield have provided a glimpse of the franchise’s potential in the post-Tom Brady era. However, recent reports have stirred controversy about how the organization is handling its young talent.
Last week, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that Patriots ownership, led by Robert Kraft, has been conducting research on how best to handle a young quarterback. Breer shared these insights during an appearance on NBC Sports Boston, where he indicated that the Kraft family wanted to avoid repeating past mistakes made with Mac Jones, who struggled in New England from 2021 through 2023.
“They failed with Mac Jones from 2021 through 2023,” Breer said. “So the Krafts have asked people and done their homework on how the right way to handle a young quarterback is, and how they’re going to do that going forward.” According to Breer, the ownership was intent on ensuring Maye’s development wasn’t hindered in the same way.
The report quickly gained traction on social media, leading to questions about whether ownership was undermining the coaching staff’s authority. On Monday morning, head coach Jerod Mayo was asked to address the report during an interview on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show. Mayo did not mince words, firmly denying any involvement by ownership in the coaching decisions or quarterback development process.
“All those reports are false,” the first-year head coach said bluntly. “None of those reports are true.” Mayo’s response was a clear attempt to dispel any notion that there was a lack of confidence in his ability to develop Maye or that the Krafts were overstepping their bounds.
Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt also weighed in on the controversy when asked about Breer’s report last week. While Van Pelt did not outright deny that ownership may have done some research, he expressed his full confidence in the coaching staff’s capability to guide Maye’s development.
“[They’ve] got a lot invested in the guy,” Van Pelt said. “I think I have a good feel on how to get him ready, and I think it’s showing so far. Not worried about that at all.” Van Pelt made it clear that his focus remains on helping Maye reach his full potential and that he felt no added pressure from ownership’s reported involvement.
“I’m here to develop Drake Maye. And that’s what I’m gonna do,” Van Pelt added, reaffirming his commitment to the young quarterback. The offensive coordinator’s confidence in Maye’s progress reflects the faith that the coaching staff has in the rookie’s talent and work ethic.
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Maye’s performance on Sunday provided further evidence of his potential. He threw for a career-high 282 yards and completed 75% of his passes, also a career best, during the Patriots’ 28-22 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Despite the defeat, Maye’s ability to move the offense and make plays under pressure was a positive sign for a team looking for answers at the quarterback position.
The Patriots are set to face a tough challenge next weekend as they head to Miami to take on the Dolphins. With a promising young quarterback at the helm, New England will look to continue building on the progress they’ve made since Maye took over the starting role.
The journey has been far from easy, but the signs of growth from the rookie signal-caller provide hope for a brighter future in Foxborough.
For now, Drake Maye remains the focus, and the coaching staff appears fully committed to helping him succeed. The rookie has shown flashes of brilliance, and if he can continue his development, the Patriots may just have found their quarterback of the future.
