‘Very impressive’: Dan Orlovsky raved about Drake Maye’s early development with Patriots
"I did not think he was going to jump off tape this early on."
Dan Orlovsky is thrilled with Drake Maye’s development: While the Patriots are still a last place team at 3-7 amid a rebuilding year, the optimism surrounding the development of rookie quarterback Drake Maye has continued to grow.
Following the 19-3 win over the Bears (and fellow rookie QB Caleb Williams), Maye is winning plaudits for not just his talent, but his development since being drafted third overall by New England earlier in 2024.
The most recent example came from former NFL quarterback (and current ESPN analyst) Dan Orlovsky, who shared a video in which he examined Maye’s game tape from the win over Chicago.
“You’ve got to be giddy if you’re New England,” Orlovsky began, “absolutely giddy with what you see from Drake Maye.”
Noting that the pre-draft concern with Maye revolved around issues with his footwork, Orlovsky praised the rookie’s early growth.
“He has worked at it, he has addressed it,” Orlovsky acknowledged. “Him, his coaching staff. Credit them.”
After playing a highlight in which Maye checked through his reads and completed a pass downfield, the former quarterback admitted New England’s first-year starter is ahead of what he projected.
“I did not think he was going to jump off tape this early on,” Orlovsky noted of Maye.
Specifically, Maye is excelling in two categories, per Orlovsky. First, he’s showcasing his talent (“throwing guys open) while also “not trying to be perfect.”
The other point was that Maye is picking up important details before the snap of the ball and utilizing that information effectively.
“You can see how quickly he’s digesting this information,” Orlovsky explained.
All in all, the 22-year-old has acquitted himself well in his short career to this point. It left Orlovsky with a simple conclusion.
“Very impressive.”
Trivia: Though he accumulated an NFL career spanning more than a decade, Dan Orlovsky also has the unfortunate distinction of having started the most number of games for the winless 2008 Lions (he went 0-7 that season as the starter). What former Michigan QB, who once competed with Tom Brady for a starting role with the Wolverines, attempted two passes for the Lions that season?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: A sixth-round NFL draft pick, he was also once a third-round pick in Major League Baseball by the Yankees.
Scores and schedules:
The Celtics lost in the opening group stage game of the NBA Cup to the Hawks 117-116 on Tuesday.
Boston plays its second game of the in-season tournament tonight against the Nets at 7:30 p.m.
Also from Tuesday, the Bruins scored three third-period goals to rally for a 3-2 victory over the Blues. On Thursday, the Bruins will play the Stars in Dallas at 8 p.m.
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Drake Maye mic’d up: The Patriots’ rookie quarterback produced some enjoyable soundbites (and plays) for New England fans during the win over the Bears.
On this day: In 1994, the Patriots rallied from a 20-0 halftime deficit to defeat the Vikings in overtime, 26-20. Drew Bledsoe attempted a franchise record 70 passes in a game, completing 45 of them for 426 yards and three touchdowns.
After getting the ball back at the Patriots’ 39-yard line with 1:51 remaining (trailing by a field goal), Bledsoe directed a 12-play drive that included a 25-yard completion to wide receiver Vincent Brisby on a 4th and 10. It resulted in a Matt Bahr field goal to tie the game with 14 seconds remaining.
In overtime, the Patriots got the ball and promptly marched on a nine-play touchdown drive. Bledsoe was immaculate, going 6-for-6 for 56 yards, culminating with a 14-yard game-winning touchdown pass to Kevin Turner.
Daily highlight: East Carolina’s Jordan Riley posted by far the most emphatic dunk of the night.
Trivia answer: Drew Henson
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