FOXBORO — Early in training camp, Drake Maye had a habit of opening team periods with a pass to to the same receiver.
Stefon Diggs.
Maye targeted Diggs no matter he lined up and no matter the route he was running just to find for an easy completion. Then, Maye often looked elsewhere and occasionally returned to his projected No. 1 receiver as the drill progressed.
Naturally, as a second-year quarterback working with a four-time Pro Bowl wideout who wants the ball, Maye might feel pressure to do that again once the games begin. But not so fast.
Maye said after Monday’s practice he does not feel any pressure to force feed Diggs come Week 1.
“I wouldn’t say (it’s) pressure,” Maye said this week. “I think (Diggs) knows the plays, and I always try to tell the guys, ‘Hey, if you’re seeing something, hey, give me something on the sideline.’ Or something like that. But I’m going to try to throw to the guys that are open. If (Diggs)’s open a lot, then he’ll get the ball a lot.”
Like Diggs, Maye has been learning a new offense this summer under Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Historically, McDaniels’ offenses have spread the ball around instead of funneling passes to a top target. While Diggs has yet to take the field with Maye in a game, the young quarterback is plenty familiar with his talents and resume after being teammates now for several months.
“Shoot, he’s a phenomenal player,” Maye said.” What he can do, how much ball he’s played and how many plays he’s made, (I) just try to give him the football. Whether it’s extra work with him, extra work at practice or in the film room or trying to be on the same page. I think once he’s got one-on-one matchups, or he feels zone – he knows coverage really well — I think he can do a lot of things well.”