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Drake Maye discussed growing leadership role with Patriots’ offense, midweek address to team
Maye's decision to address the offense following a lackluster practice produced a "great response."
Drake Maye continues to take positive forward steps in his young NFL career, both on and off the field.
The Patriots’ rookie helped orchestrate a 19-3 win against fellow first-year quarterback Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears on Sunday, but it was his burgeoning leadership behind closed doors earlier in the week that also won plaudits from coaches and players.
According to Fox Sports reporter Laura Okmin (as stated on the network’s Sunday broadcast), Maye addressed the team following what he considered a subpar practice performance from the Patriots’ offense in the buildup to the game against the Bears.
“This week was a big step for Drake. He was frustrated with how practice went, didn’t think they were as locked in as they needed to be. So, he asked [offensive coordinator] Alex Van Pelt if he could address the offense for the first time,” according to Okmin. “Alex said, ‘The floor is yours.’
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“First time [Maye] got in front of the offense,” Okmin continued. “Alex said, ‘Great response, everyone really reacted well to him. We need that leadership from him.'”
Maye finished his day against Chicago 15-of-25 for 184 yards passing with a touchdown and an interception. Though his numbers weren’t as impressive as some of his other performances in 2024, Maye engineered a more efficient day — New England was 5-of-14 on third down vs. Chicago going just 1-for-14 — and helped his team win.
After the game, he was asked by Boston Globe reporter Nicole Yang about speaking to the team midweek.
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“Just little things. I think just taking that next step of being the quarterback in the offensive meeting room,” he said. “These little things that are adding up and hurting us in practice that are leading to game day.
The Patriots appeared to response, producing some clutch sequences (such as the end of the first half, when New England produced 10 points in the final 1:46 of the second quarter).
“Just little details and focus,” Maye explained. “I think sometimes you get into practice mode where you’re just running plays and not really tuned in and trying to execute specific plays. Trying to just get into a groove. ‘Hey, we’re running plays out here for just nothing.’
“Just really trying to challenge those guys and challenge myself to take each play and know that when the game comes and this play’s called, it matters,” he added. “There are so many times throughout the game you see how much that play can impact the turnout of the game. So, I was just trying to get through to them. Probably fumbled some words trying to do it, but I think those guys respected it.”
Contrary to Maye’s own impression of his speech, several Patriots — including rookie wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk (who caught his second career touchdown against Chicago) — praised Maye’s public speaking.
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Maye and the Patriots, now 3-7, face the Rams at Gillette Stadium next Sunday at 1 p.m.
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