Drake Maye is expected to get more snaps against the Eagles, Jerod Mayo says
"I expect Drake to get more reps than he did in the first game."
Drake Maye’s NFL preseason debut lasted just one series on Thursday night against the Panthers.
Maye was pulled after seven snaps, the majority of which were run plays. He finished 2-for-3 with 19 yards.
Coach Jerod Mayo told reporters that playing both Maye and Brissett for one series apiece was the plan going into the game. He later said that he plans to play Maye more this Thursday against the Eagles.
“This honestly is a huge week for everyone to practice against the Eagles and then we’ll kind of see how the reps break down in the game,” Mayo said. “But I expect Drake to get more reps than he did in the first game.”
Mayo said after the game that he wants Maye’s reps to come with the starting offensive line group, which factored into Maye’s playing time on Thursday.
“If he’s in there, you want him in there with the starting offensive line,” Mayo said after the game. “We’ve got to protect the guy. Not saying we don’t have to protect the other guys, but that absolutely did go into it.”
On Friday morning, Mayo said the team is still looking at options to improve the offensive line.
“They’re still under construction, the offensive line, and I’ve said it since day one we’re going to play the best five whatever that combination looks like,” Mayo said. “We’re always trying to get better. We’re bringing in some linemen (on Friday) for a workout, so we’re always trying to get better and improve that front. It all starts there with the offensive line and defensive line when it comes to winning football games.”
The Patriots are still building their identity, which Mayo hopes will develop into a physical one. Maye and his offensive line will be a part of that as they continue to develop.
“We’re a physical team and we’re I think we showed that last night, at least that we’re trying to be a physical team,” Mayo said. “I think guys were hustling and running to the ball and just out there playing with real joy and excitement for the opportunity and those guys were excited for their teammates.
“What I hope that other teams see is just the passion and the love of the game and guys going out there flying around and executing good football.”
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