Drake Maye Shines In Patriots Practice Before Eagles Arrive image
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Drake Maye appears ready for the New England Patriots’ biggest test of training camp. Maye delivered one of his strongest performances of the summer during Monday’s physical practice at Gillette Stadium. The quarterback was accurate, decisive and productive while preparing for two joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles.
WBZ-TV sports anchor Dan Roche highlighted Maye’s impressive performance, while Patriots On SI’s Ethan Hurwitz reported that the quarterback completed 15 of 19 passes during 11-on-11 work. Maye also went 4-for-5 in seven-on-seven drills.
The most exciting moment came when Maye connected with A.J. Brown for a touchdown of approximately 70 yards. Brown beat cornerback Charles Woods before running past safety Craig Woodson down the left seam. Maye found the veteran receiver in stride, allowing Brown to complete the long touchdown without being touched.
It was another encouraging sign for a Patriots offense attempting to build chemistry before the regular season. New England made a major investment in Maye’s supporting cast, and the early connection between the quarterback and Brown has the potential to transform the passing game.
Maye Connects With Several Patriots Receivers
Brown was not Maye’s only productive target Monday. Romeo Doubs led the first-team group with five catches during full-team drills. Brown and Mack Hollins recorded three receptions apiece, while Efton Chism III also finished with three.
Maye then guided the starting offense through a successful situational drive late in practice. With 1:15 remaining, the offense was asked to move the length of the field in an end-of-half scenario. Maye completed passes to Brown, Doubs, DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte before stopping the clock with a spike.
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Maye later found Rhamondre Stevenson on a well-designed play that left the running back uncovered out of the backfield. New England moved into position for a field-goal attempt with three seconds remaining. The performance came during one of the Patriots’ most physical practices of training camp. New England increased the intensity during one-on-one and 11-on-11 drills before slowing things down with another walkthrough.
That should help Maye and the offense prepare for Philadelphia’s arrival. Joint practices often provide a more revealing challenge than preseason games because teams can use a wider variety of defensive looks without putting those schemes on game film. The Eagles should test Maye’s decision-making, protection calls and chemistry with his receivers.
Head coach Mike Vrabel also has indicated that the quality of New England’s work against Philadelphia could help determine how much the starters play in Saturday’s preseason game. Maye will face a more difficult challenge when the Eagles arrive. His nearly flawless Monday performance suggests he is entering that test with plenty of momentum.
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