Drake Maye had a promising rookie season despite the Patriots going 4-13 in 2024.
There are high expectations for the quarterback in Year 2 as New England looks to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
After a 20-year run of dominance with Tom Brady under center, things didn’t quite pan out with Mac Jones. But with Maye at quarterback, there are reasons to be optimistic about the future.
Brady’s success is going to be difficult for any quarterback to replicate. But even with the 12-foot bronze statue outside of Gillette Stadium serving as a reminder of the two decades of success the Patriots once had, it’s not something Maye feels looms over him.
“I wouldn’t say pressure,” Maye told WEEI’s Andy Hart on Monday. “I think it’s just appreciation for what he did, what he did here, how he played the position, how he loved to win and wanted to win, and how they did win. I think that’s the biggest part.
“And I think definitely just watching old tape of him with some of the same concepts of how he did things is pretty cool to watch,” he continued. “But I wouldn’t say pressure. I was drafted maybe five years after he left here. So I wouldn’t say really any pressure.”
Despite a losing record, Maye showed growth and promise week after week last season. The UNC product has had a strong training camp, but had an avoidable turnover against the Commanders. Still, these are areas to clean up and improve upon before the regular season starts.
Maye is ready to help establish a new culture in Foxborough with first-year coach Mike Vrabel. It’s too early to tell what kind of career Maye will have, but it’s clear he’s confident to help carry the team back to its winning ways.
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