FOXBOROUGH – The Patriots just wrapped up the fourth week of their offseason workout program.
Thanks to Josh McDaniels, Drake Maye can’t wait for the fall to arrive.
When the team gathered at Gillette Stadium on April 7, it marked the first time that Maye and his new offensive coordinator could talk about the Patriots new playbook and offensive scheme. Although things are changing for Maye, he’s already enamored with the possibilities that come with McDaniels offense.
On Thursday, the quarterback said that McDaniels has already asked for his input and he can’t wait to start the season.
“Coach has been great with asking about stuff I like – stuff I like from last year that we ran. Stuff that I like that they do that I’ve seen on film,” Maye said. “I think it’ll be good for us because we’ll be able to do a lot. I think it’ll be a challenge to find out exactly what is or will be our stuff. That’s the fun part. That’s the chess match. Coach is great about finding matchups.
“I’m looking forward to starting to game plan. I know that’s far away, but I’m kind of getting the itch now.”
Under McDaniels, and Tom Brady, the Patriots offense had a historic run bookend with six Super Bowl championships. In 13 seasons as the official offensive coordinator, the Patriots finished in the top 10 in scoring 12 times.
That included the last year McDaniels was in town. In 2021, with rookie Mac Jones, the Patriots finished sixth in the NFL in scoring. Since the departure of McDaniels, the team’s offense has finished 17th (2022), 31st (2023) and 30th (2024).
For Maye, the challenge will be learning the new system, which includes new play calls. Part of McDaniels’ offense that’s different from Alex Van Pelt’s is that the quarterback has more responsibility. Last year, the team’s center made different protection calls at the line of scrimmage.
Under McDaniels, that responsibility will be Maye’s.
“The ball’s in my hands, I think you want that. I hold the pin last – that’s what they say. That’s what you want,” Maye said. “I get the view best view back there… The best view of the defense. You’re the one who has to know where everyone is at, what everyone is doing… It’ll be great for me to take that next step and take command of sending the guys up front where to go. I’m looking forward to it.”
When it comes to learning the new terminology, Maye says he’s been a quick study. He admitted that some of the new concepts are similar to what he’s done in the past and this offseason is a matter of him knowing the right verbiage. He’s taken it upon himself to learn it quickly so he can help teach the playbook and new lingo to his teammates.
After an impressive rookie campaign, where he was the NFL’s youngest starting quarterback, Maye is looking forward to working with the man who coached the greatest quarterback to ever play.
“So far, with McDaniels, it’s been awesome,” Maye said. “I think his way – he’s been an offensive coordinator and head coach. He does it at a high level. The stuff works. Kind of the proof is in the pudding. He’s coached a lot of different guys. He coached the best ever do it.
“So, it’s pretty cool getting to watch the old things of Tom, and seeing how he does it. A bunch of different guys play at a high level in the offense and not just Tom. So, it’s been cool to watch and learn the ways and learn the ins and outs of it.”
