New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots will conclude their offseason workout program with mandatory minicamp sessions this week. If Drake Maye had his way, he wouldn’t leave the facility.
Following Monday’s opening minicamp practice, Maye told reporters that he was starting to find his groove working a new offense helmed by offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. In fact, the second-year quarterback isn’t ready to end the current offseason phase.
“I think it’s been good. I’m starting to kind of really find a stride,” Maye said, via video from the team. “Kind of bummed out we’re about to leave.”
Unfortunately for Maye, Mike Vrabel cancelled Wednesday’s third and final mandatory minicamp session. Per WEEI’s Tom Carroll, the Patriots head coach explained his decision.
“Felt like, hopefully, we could get two good days of work here and get going onto the offseason program,” Vrabel said. “And we’ll still work. I just didn’t wanna come out. We’ll be out on the field. We’ll be lifting and running and meeting.”
Maye began his NFL career by posting an 88.1 quarterback rating. The 22-year-old is now focused on growing as a leader in his second season.
“I think it’s an opportunity for me to take a jump,” Maye said. “… Trying to come in here and earn my stripes, earn my keep through hard work. And I think this year, it’s just the same approach. You got new guys in here, new staff, got to keep getting to know everybody, show my work ethic. And then from there, as the season comes around, try to take the next step with leadership and leading the offense, and hopefully leading this football team.”
Maye looks to lead by example in practice. His teammates, coaches, and fans may appreciate that soundbite about wanting to keep working, but the team will cease organized team activities after this week.
Maye can soon start counting down the days until training camp begins on Wednesday, July 24.
