Pats Pulpit
Maye has not thrown an interception through eight practices.
Turnovers were a kryptonite for quarterback Drake Maye in his first NFL season. As a rookie, Maye tossed 10 interceptions — in addition to losing six fumbles — in 10 games.
Through eight training camp practices (which has now included two walkthroughs) to start his second NFL season, however, no pass from Maye has ended in a New England Patriots’ defenders arms.
And unlike an MLB pitcher scared to jinx a no-hitter, Maye is not afraid to talk about it.
“I think it’s one of those things where I’m trying to take care of the football,” Maye said. “And maybe they could have had a few here and there. I think [Jabrill Peppers] maybe should have one on the first practice. I joke with him a bit about it, but yeah, I think that’s a goal of ours, to take care of the football. I think you’re not trying to throw off the perfect game or no-hitter. But I think that’s part of it — not scared to throw it. I’m still not gun-shy.”
As Maye has had a handful of highlight reel throws down the field, much of his work to has come in the short and intermediate areas of the field. That has been by design in the early stages of camp as he continues to adjust to life in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ system.
Through the initial work, Maye believes he is progressing well.
“That’s what you hope. I’m trying to come from this offense, kind of take the next steps as we go,” Maye said. “And I think the real test will be when the game comes and when we get in these joint practices. So I’m looking forward — I’m proud of the work we’ve done, and I feel good. I feel in a good spot, but, you know, I think it’s still a lot of work left.”
In addition to building chemistry with several new receivers, part of the adjustment for Maye in year two includes more responsibility pre-snap. While most of those duties fell on New England’s centers last season, some prior experience also has Maye feeling well about that aspect of his game.
“It helped I did it in college… little bit of that last year in getting the protection right, but it’s starting to come along. It’s nice knowing it’s my job to send those guys to the right spot and get them on the same page — all 11 of us, starting with me,” Maye said. “Getting the play started starts with a good huddle. I feel like I’m in a good spot and I think those guys are doing a good of listening to me.”
The intensity on the practice fields will soon ramp up as work next week will include a joint practice with the Commanders on Aug. 6 — followed by two with the Vikings on Aug. 13 and 14. It will mark the next challenge this summer...
