Report: Drake Maye of the New England Patriots cites throwing interceptions as the main reason he struggles during practice.
As was previously mentioned on GH, Maye had a difficult week with the promotion, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN:
Tuesday, Maye looked to miscommunicate with running back Antonio Gibson during a play that resulted in one red zone interception. Security Gibson halted Maye’s pass, and Kyle Dugger dove to intercept it. It appeared like Maye had anticipated that Gibson would keep cutting across the field.
Additionally, in a different exercise conducted outside of the red zone, Maye misdirected a pass intended for seasoned receiver Josh Smith-Schuster, which undrafted rookie cornerback Kaleb Ford-Dement easily intercepted. Maye subsequently declared that he intended to learn from the few tosses that he wished he could have had back.
During OTAs, Maye is not the only rookie quarterback experiencing growing pains. J.J. McCarthy, the quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, struggles with accuracy. Caleb Williams, the rookie quarterback for the Chicago Bears, has demonstrated amazing arm skill, but in team exercises, he finds it difficult to handle pressure. In addition, he finds it difficult to use the cadence and grasp a snap.
Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders is arguably the rookie who is enjoying himself the most during OTAs this spring. Although he faltered a little in a 7-on-7 exercise, he has performed well in team drills.
Maye praises the defense of the New England Patriots.
Maye believes he understands why he’s having trouble this spring. Reiss provided an update, stating that Maye stated it is difficult to counter the Patriots’ defense:
The No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft, Maye, said, “We’re getting great work out here [as an offense] because our defense does a great job.” There are numerous unique components. They have a wide range of abilities. They are adept at hiding. They do a fantastic job bringing various blitzes. That, in my opinion, is what sets them apart.
It’s not easy for Jacoby Brissett, either. There are several quarterbacks who are struggling against the Patriots defense besides Maye. The defense, which was among the best in the league a season ago, seems to be leading the way this spring and hasn’t changed much from then on.This week, against a top defense, Patriots starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett struggled in the red zone:
It has occasionally been evident in optional spring practices, such as on Tuesday during a press-only session when the defense primarily clamped down on the offense in the red zone, aggravating veteran quarterback and current starter Jacoby Brissett, particularly at one point.
Even if the two best quarterbacks for the Patriots are struggling to read the defense, Brissett is still trusted by the coaching staff. Brissett, according to offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, has excelled throughout OTAs. This season, the Patriots’ defense will have to carry them. In OTAs, they’re off to a fast start.