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Drake Maye backs up Patriots’ OC Alex Van Pelt amid criticism
"I think AVP, what he’s done for me this year, and what he’s done for my development has been huge for me."
Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt is feeling the heat after a rough showing by New England against the Cardinals on Sunday.
Beyond the lackluster performance on the gridiron at State Farm Stadium, the veteran coach’s standing within the organization seemingly took some hits both during and after Sunday’s 30-17 loss to Arizona.
During the game, CBS cameras captured Robert and Jonathan Kraft visibly frustrated with the execution of the team’s offense — with internet lip readers suggesting that the younger Kraft was not pleased with the play-calling.
To make matters worse, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo seemingly threw Van Pelt under the bus when asked postgame why the team didn’t call a QB sneak with Drake Maye on both a 3rd-and-1 and 4th-and-1 situation in the red zone.
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“You said it. I didn’t,” Mayo replied.
Even though Mayo walked back the comment during his weekly video conference with the media on Monday, it has further fueled speculation about the instability and friction within New England’s coaching staff.
With Sunday’s lopsided loss now seemingly an afterthought amid Mayo’s comments, Drake Maye was asked about Van Pelt and his influence over the QB during his rookie year during his weekly appearance on WEEI.
The 22-year-old quarterback gave Van Pelt a ringing vote of confidence.
“I think AVP, what he’s done for me this year, and what he’s done for my development has been huge for me,” Maye said on WEEI’s “Afternoon Show”. “I credit AVP and TC [QB coach McCartney] and the quarterback room for helping me prepare every week.
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“And still taking every week, even with our record, like it’s a big one for us. I really respect that. And I appreciate them taking a chance on me along with the rest of the franchise.”
Maye deflected when asked if he saw either the video of the Krafts or Mayo’s postgame comments that have now put Van Pelt under a microscope.
“No sir,” Maye said. “No I think — you know, I try to stay away from — you know, you’re 3-11, and you know things like some bad media, and you know, people saying some not-so-nice things is more common when our record is not too great.”
Maye’s emergence as a playmaker, especially when it comes to gaining yards on the ground, has made him an intriguing asset for Van Pelt and Co. when it comes to short-yardage situations.
Even though Maye was not utilized on either of those runs in the red zone against Arizona, Maye acknowledged on Sunday that he has no issue being called upon in those situations.
“I was a good quarterback sneaker in college,” Maye said. “[I’m a] big dude. I’m heavier than people think. So I think maybe [there’s] a conversation for that. “And I think it’s tough to stop a 6-foot-5 dude for one yard.
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“But also at the same time, [Rhamondre Stevenson] is pretty dang good at getting one yard as well. So it’s unfortunate that it happened. But definitely, there was a time and place for it.”
But on Monday, Maye acknowledged that has hasn’t outright asked for the ball in those situations, especially given that he suffered a concussion earlier this season.
“With our record, I can see why they may not want me in there, and run me inside the tackles,” Maye said. “It’s definitely understandable. But when we talk about gotta have it moments, I’m fully up for whatever they ask me to do … Me taking it can be an advantage for us.
“At the same time, I kind of understand where they’re coming from, and the thought process behind it. There’s a lot of football hopefully left in my career. I think going through it now, let’s run some QB power, is not really the smartest thing to do.”
Even with Sunday’s latest setback amid a 3-11 season, Maye feels as though he’s continued to make strides since taking over as New England’s starting QB — with Van Pelt’s coaching playing a part in his ascension as one of the more promising young signal-callers in the league.
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Maye completed 19-of-23 passes against Arizona for 202 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while also rushing for 14 yards and a touchdown in the loss.
“There’s a lot of things to look forward to,” Maye said. “I’ve been a big fan of AVP, and how he’s handled my approach. Shoot, this is only our 8th or 9th game together. So we’re still figuring each other out, how he’s calling it, and how much input he wants me to help him with. It’s been nice trying to find that. I think we’re not far from it.”
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