Patriots

Maye’s decision to tackle the offense following poor practice produced an “excellent response”.

Drake Maye continues to take positive steps forward in his young NFL career, both on and off the field.

The Patriots rookie helped orchestrate a 19-3 win on Sunday against fellow quarterback Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears, but his burgeoning leadership behind closed doors earlier in the week also won plaudits from coaches and players.

According to Fox Sports reporter Laura Okmin (as stated on the network’s Sunday broadcast), Maye addressed the team after what he considered a poor practice performance from the Patriots offense in the build-up to the game against the Bears.

“This week was a big step for Drake. He was frustrated with the way training had gone, he didn’t think they were as locked in as they should have been. So he asked (offensive coordinator) Alex Van Pelt if he could tackle the offense for the first time. according to Okmin. “Alex said, ‘The floor is yours.’

“The first time (Maye) got in front of the offense,” Okmin continued. “Alex said: “A great response, everyone reacted really well to it. We need that leadership from him.”

Maye finished his day against Chicago 15 of 25 for 184 yards with a touchdown and an interception. While his numbers weren’t as impressive as some of his other performances in 2024, Maye projected a more efficient day — New England was 5-of-14 on third down compared to Chicago’s just 1-of-14 — and helped his team win.

After the match, he was asked by Boston Globe reporter Nicole Yang about spoke to the team midweek.

“Just little things. I think I’m taking the next step from being a quarterback in the offensive boardroom. he said. “It’s these little things that add up and hurt us in practice that lead to game day.

The Patriots seemed to respond, producing some clutch runs (such as late in the first half, when New England produced 10 points in the final 1:46 of the second quarter).

“Just little details and focus,” Maye explained. “I think sometimes you get into practice mode where you’re just running plays and you haven’t connected and you’re trying to run certain plays. Just trying to get into a ditch. “Hey, we run shows here for nothing.”

“I’m just trying to challenge these guys and challenge myself to take each game and know that when the game comes and the game is called, it matters,” he added. “There are so many times throughout the game where you see how much turnout can affect. So I just tried to reach them. She probably fumbled a few words trying to do it, but I think those guys respected her.”

Contrary to Maye’s own impression of his speech, several Patriots — including rookie wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk (who caught his second career touchdown against Chicago) — praised Maye’s speech in public.

Maye and the Patriots, now 3-7, take on the Rams at Gillette Stadium next Sunday at 1 p.m.