Drake Maye Involved In Patriots’ ‘Biggest Problem’ For Week 1

The New England Patriots will officially embark on a new era on Sunday under head coach Mike Vrabel, and while fans are hoping for a victory over the visiting Las Vegas Raiders, there are sure to be some bumps in the road during the Week 1 battle. The first game of the NFL season is traditionally a bit all over the place as teams are still jelling. That factor could be even more pronounced for the Patriots, given all of the changes they underwent this past offseason.

According to Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon, those changes will have the heaviest impact on second-year quarterback Drake Maye. On Friday, Gangon released a piece identifying each NFL team’s “biggest problem” for Week 1. For the Patriots, Gagnon pointed to the inevitable adjustment period for Maye … one that may take longer than four quarters.

“Problem: Everything is new for Drake Maye,” Gagnon wrote.

“The Patriots sophomore quarterback is looking to build on a promising rookie campaign, but he’s dealing with an entirely new offensive system under Josh McDaniels, an entirely new offensive line featuring two rookies (one of whom, Will Campbell, is now dealing with an ankle injury), a new head coach (Mike Vrabel) and a new No. 1 receiver in Stefon Diggs.”

“That could do a number on Maye early on, especially if the league has been watching his tape and learning his tendencies,” Gagnon continued. “This could ultimately be a good thing, as most of these changes are logical and represent potential improvements in vacuums. But it may take some time, especially if Campbell is less than 100 percent. That line may need some serious time.”

Gagnon’s review is actually more of an indictment of the Patriots’ offensive line than it is of Maye, but ultimately, it’s all connected. If the O-line can’t protect Maye sufficiently, he’ll be made to look bad and thus be viewed as an under-performer early in the NFL season. It’s unfair, but such is the life of an NFL quarterback.

Sunday should be a competitive game. The Raiders have plenty of “newness” to deal with, too, having a new head coach in Pete Carroll. The team that can limit turnovers and prevent big plays from the opposition will probably come out on top.

Maye can diminish the “problem” described by Gagnon by making sure to take care of the football and manage the clock effectively.