Drake Maye backs Patriots calling designed QB runs originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The New England Patriots finally decided to release Drake Maye Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt had deviated from calling designed races for the rookie quarterback in his previous eight games. Keeping Maye healthy has been the top priority, especially since the 22-year-old suffered a concussion in Week 8.
Last week, the Patriots’ refusal to call designed runs for Maye came under fire as it proved costly to the team. defeat to the arizona cardinals. After they failed to convert on third-and-1 and fourth-and-1 at the goal line, many wondered why they didn’t use their big, mobile QB in a critical short-yardage situation.
It appears that head coach Jerod Mayo Van Pelt’s not-so-subtle call It was a turning point. On Sunday, the Patriots called multiple designed QB hurries for the first time all season. Maye was a fan of change.
“I’m a big guy at 6’5 who can gain a yard and beat someone with some speed. “I think people underestimate me a little bit,” Maye said.
“I think it helps us offensively move the chains. At this point we need some help, whether it’s in short yards or in different areas like in the red zone to be able to make a play.”
Maye finished with 30 yards on six carries, including a 13-yard run on fourth-and-1. His other designed runs included a QB sneak at the Patriots’ 1-yard line and a two-yard gain on second-and-1.
Judging by Mayo’s postgame comments, we should see more designed runs for Maye in the Patriots’ final two games of the season.
“For us, we thought that was best for the football team,” he said. “He can make plays with his legs and he did that today.”
maye He had the support of his coaches After Sunday’s game, he called recent talk about his job security “nonsense.” He will look to help New England end its tumultuous season on a high note, starting with a matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers this Saturday at Gillette Stadium.