Sean McVay praised Drake Maye as ‘special player’ after Rams-Patriots
“He looks like he's going to be a special player for a long time, and he gave us fits today.”
Sean McVay’s take on Drake Maye: On Sunday, the Patriots experienced an increasingly familiar game script, losing but with a crucial silver lining.
Drake Maye, the team’s 2024 first-round pick (and hopeful quarterback of the future), once again showcased his vast potential. The 22-year-old completed 30 of 40 passing attempts for 282 yards with two touchdowns.
Yet he also committed two turnovers, including a game-ending interception on the Patriots’ final drive of the afternoon in a 28-22 loss to the Rams. Short defeat aside, the Patriots can rightfully argue that Maye’s long-term outlook looks bright.
And standing on the other sideline, Los Angeles head coach Sean McVay seemed to agree, elaborating on his impression of Maye in his postgame press conference.
“You look at it, and you can really see his ability to create off schedule,” McVay said. “I thought he did a great job of being able to make plays in the pocket today, extend drives. I thought he was patient, taking some underneath check-downs where guys were able to create. We had tighter coverages, and he was able to fit the ball into tight windows.
“He looks like a stud,” McVay added. “I didn’t do too much work on him coming out. I do know a lot of people that studied him really hard — that I truly respect their opinions — loved what he was all about. You can see just the impact that he has on his teammates, the way people talk about him here.”
McVay, now in his eighth season as Rams coach, helped to make his name (and win a Super Bowl) through offensive play-calling and creativity. Judging from his own team’s experience trying to thwart Maye, he sees a positive future for the Patriots’ starter.
“He looks like he’s going to be a special player for a long time, and he gave us fits today.”
Trivia: Can you name all of the quarterbacks taken in the first round of the already somewhat infamous 2021 NFL Draft?
(Answer at the bottom)
Hint: If you’re a Patriots fan, you should already be familiar with one of the answers. There were five quarterbacks in total selected in that round.
Scores and schedules:
The Patriots lost to the Rams 28-22 on Sunday, falling to 3-8 on the season.
Tonight, the Bruins host the Blue Jackets at 7 p.m.
Tomorrow, the Celtics face the Cavaliers in a high-profile group stage matchup in the NBA Cup at TD Garden at 7 p.m.
More from Boston.com:
- 4 takeaways from Patriots’ 28-22 loss to the Rams
- The Patriots’ defensive plan against Matthew Stafford worked out well — for the Rams
- Christian Gonzalez explains his role against Rams WRs after Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua torch Patriots
- Patriots’ defensive gamble with Christian Gonzalez ends in disaster vs. Rams
- NBA champion Celtics to visit White House, President Biden on Thursday
- Drake Maye held himself accountable for 4th quarter interception in Patriots’ loss
- Patriots’ Vederian Lowe balanced enjoyment of touchdown catch with frank discussion of penalty
- Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman explain what has impressed them the most about Drake Maye
Big man touchdown: Final score aside, Patriots fans got to enjoy the unorthodox Vederian Lowe touchdown on Sunday.
On this day: In 1997, the Red Sox pulled off one of the iconic trades in team history, sending pitching prospects Tony Armas Jr. and Carl Pavano to the Expos in exchange for reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Pedro Martinez.
Daily highlight: Legendary Brazilian forward Marta scored an instant classic of a goal in the NWSL playoffs on Sunday to send Orlando City to the final (against the Washington Spirit on Nov. 23).
Trivia answer: Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones.
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