FOXBORO — Quarterback Drake Maye of the New England Patriots is experiencing the pressures of being an MVP candidate in the NFL. His impressive performance this season has drawn both praise and criticism, with former players and analysts weighing in on his development.
This past week, Maye faced scrutiny from various figures, including Stephen A. Smith and Cam Newton, and now New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns has joined the conversation. Burns remarked on Maye’s processing speed, suggesting that he might be caught up in making the right play to the detriment of awareness regarding incoming pressure. “At times, he’s so caught up in making the right play or getting so caught up in his routes downfield, he just forgets about somewhat of who’s rushing him,” Burns explained, noting that Maye’s poise in the pocket can be both an asset and a liability.
Maye responded to the criticism by acknowledging the importance of maintaining focus while feeling defensive pressure. “I try to keep my eyes down the field while feeling the pressure,” he stated. Despite the challenges, he remains confident in his abilities and is aware of the skill of opponents like Burns, who has had a strong season.
This year, Maye has faced significant pressure, resulting in 39 sacks — ranking him third among NFL quarterbacks. However, it’s worth noting that many of these sacks have not resulted from a lack of awareness. The Patriots’ offensive line has allowed only 11 sacks, with several of Maye’s sacks stemming from situations where he ran out of bounds or scrambled outside the pocket.
In recent weeks, Maye has improved in avoiding unnecessary sacks, managing to get sacked only three times in the last three games. He credits this improvement to focusing on recognizing when to throw the ball away or take fewer risks while under pressure.
This week’s matchup poses a new challenge for Maye, as he faces a formidable Giants defensive front, featuring players like Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Dexter Lawrence. The Patriots are currently dealing with injuries on their offensive line, with rookie left tackle Will Campbell on IR and rookie left guard Jared Wilson likely out for the upcoming game. This situation elevates Vederian Lowe and Ben Brown to starting roles alongside center Garrett Bradbury and right side offensive linemen.
The Patriots’ offensive line ranks within the top ten for pass-blocking efficiency this season, but with the imminent pressure from the Giants’ defense, wide receiver Stefon Diggs emphasized the need for quick decision-making. “Be decisive. Get open as fast as you can,” he advised, highlighting the importance of efficiency in assisting Maye.
For Maye, the challenge will be to adjust accordingly and release the ball more quickly. Although he has shown improvements, statistics indicate he currently ranks low in various metrics related to time in the pocket. Nevertheless, he has demonstrated an ability to adapt under pressure, a valuable skill as he continues to grow in his role.
As the Patriots prepare for their upcoming game, the focus will be not only on Maye’s development but also on the team’s resilience in facing challenges both on and off the field.