Pats Pulpit
Nobody knows more about playing quarterback under Josh McDaniels than Tom Brady.
As Brady now continues to watch film for his role broadcasting games with FOX, he has now watched Patriots quarterback Drake Maye adjust to life in that same system. The seven-time Super Bowl champion has been left impressed.
“With Drake, he has the physical ability, he has the size. In terms of physical skillset, his downfield passing ability is awesome,” Brady said during and interview on “The Herd” with Colin Cowherd. “Josh McDaniels has done an incredible job this year for the Patriots. Drake is running the same system that I was in. I know how good that system is for quarterbacks. How Josh does teach these young quarterbacks all the different reasons why he’s doing what he’s doing. Why we’re trying to beat this coverage or how we’re going to protect to give you the best chance to be successful. So he’s in a great system to be successful.”
Despite not sharing a sidelines with McDaniels anymore, Brady has stayed close with his old coordinator that he’s known for over 25 years. That has led to discussions about Maye, where McDaniels has relayed one trait about the 23-year old that stands out to Brady the most.
“[McDaniels] just talks about his work ethic, his willingness to get better and improve week in and week out,” Brady said. “He’s a sponge for information and that’s more important to me than what I see on the film. Because when I hear that, I know that he’s doing the things it takes during the week that are going to show up consistently on the field.”
Pairing McDaniels with Maye has been a slam dunk addition for the Patriots this season. Entering Week 15, Maye ranks first in the NFL completion percentage (71.5), second in passing yards (3,412), second in passer rating (111.9), and fourth in passing touchdowns (23). He has also dropped his turnover worthy play rate by a near full percent.
The success has put the Patriots in position to clinch their first AFC East title since 2019 with a win over the Bills on Sunday. It also has catapulted Maye into MVP consideration, as he currently holds the second best odds behind Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Maye could not thank his offensive coordinator enough for his role in helping him take the next step.
“It’s been awesome,” Maye said. “He coaches at a really high level. He understands the game at a really high level. His offense helps the quarterback, helps me do my job. I try to do my best to keep first downs and scoring drives going so I can help him do his job, but he understands the game. He understands defenses, what they try to do. He understands what we have on offense and our players, our personnel, and he uses us to our best ability.
“It’s been awesome this year, and I can’t thank him enough for what he’s done for me. We’ve...
