New England Patriots - NESN.com
New England Patriots legend Rob Gronkowski wasn’t thrilled with Drake Maye’s performance in Week 1.
Maye was entering his first year as the full-time starting quarterback for the Patriots, and he had plenty of hype around him. However, Maye struggled in Week 1, going 30-for-46 for 287 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception.
It was a lackluster performance as the Patriots lost 20-13 at home to the Las Vegas Raiders. Looking back on the game, Gronkowski felt like Maye should have shown more in his second year, and he was too timid with the ball.
“The Patriots, they came out flat, I can tell you that,” Gronkowski said on Up and Adams on Wednesday. “I bought into the hype in the offseason, no doubt about that. I think a lot of people out there bought into the hype. Everyone thought the Patriots were gonna come out flying, were gonna play with urgency. And let me tell you, it wasn’t there.
“Drake Maye had a pretty decent game, but it’s not like he took that next step from his rookie year into his second year. And usually that’s when NFL players make their biggest step in their career. It’s from being a young buck, maturing and going into your second and third year. But we did not see that with Drake Maye. He still played pretty good, but he just looked a little timid out there as well,” Gronskowski continued.
Gronkowski believes the Patriots’ offense needed chunk plays from Maye, which he wasn’t able to do.
Although Gronkowski felt like Maye was timid, he also put some blame on the receivers. The former tight end doesn’t think New England has any true red zone threats, which makes it hard for Maye and the offense to get into the end zone.
“They need to find ways to score in the red zone,” Gronkowski said. They don’t really have any touchdown threats. Guys that can just score immediately just like that in the red zone. They’ve gotta get creative with plays in order to get the guys open. So, the red zone is gonna be a big (issue) for the New England Patriots.”
Maye and the Patriots offense will look to get back on track in Week 2 when they go on the road to play an AFC East rival, the Miami Dolphins.
