Pats Pulpit
McVay sees a bright future for the Patriots’ rookie quarterback.
Before his ill-fated final pass attempt, Drake Maye played an encouraging game against the Los Angeles Rams. While his interception was the final nail in the New England Patriots’ coffin, and sealed the 28-22 game in the Rams’ favor, the rookie quarterback continued to show why he was the third overall selection in this year’s draft.
Making plays as a passer and a runner again, Maye ended the game completing 30 of 40 pass attempts for 282 yards with a pair of touchdowns and that one pick. He also gained 27 yards on three scrambles.
His ability to produce both within structure and when forced to improvise is rare. It also is something Rams head coach Sean McVay believes will take Maye very far in his career.
“He looks like a stud,” McVay said during his postgame press conference on Sunday. “I didn’t do too much work on him coming out; I do know a lot of people that studied him really hard that I truly respect their opinions loved what he was all about. You can see just the impact that he has on his teammates, the way people talk about him here.
“He looks like he’s going to be a special player for a long time, and he gave us fits today.”
From a statistical perspective, Maye had one of the best games of his young career versus McVay’s team. His expected points added per play (0.25) marked a new career-high, as did his completion percentage (75%) and passing yards (282).
And while his efforts did not lead to the Patriots’ fourth win of the season, Maye made sure to give Los Angeles’ defense all it could handle.
“You look at it, and you can really see his ability to create off schedule,” said McVay. “I thought he did a great job of being able to make plays in the pocket today, extend drives. I thought he was patient, taking some underneath checkdowns where guys were able to create. We had tighter coverages, and he was able to fit the ball into tight windows.”
Maye’s counterpart, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, echoed those thoughts during his own postgame presser.
“Really talented player,” the two-time Pro Bowler said about the Patriots QB. “I’ve watched a little bit of crossover tape just from games, but really talented kid. Obviously can move great in the pocket. I thought he stood in there a few times today and made some nice plays on third down. He’s got a bright future.”
