Drake Maye Opens Up About Patriots Win Over Dolphins

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye entered the team’s Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins amid questions surrounding the amount being placed on his “plate.”

In other words, were the Pats’ coaches “overloading” their second-year starter in their attempts to develop him?

Maye appeared to put the critics to rest on Sunday by completing 19-of-23 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns in New England’s 33-27 victory over the Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. He also ran for 31 yards with one rushing score. Overall, the 23-year-old protected the football, showcased his ability to rush for the first down and made plays down the stretch to give his team the chance to earn the win. They did so against the Dolphins on Sunday thanks largely in part to Maye’s efforts.

“It feels good,” Maye told reporters postgame. “It took everybody. That’s the biggest thing. It took everybody — special teams, offense, defense, trainers, everybody that helps us out. That felt good, and I’m proud of our guys for sticking with it. So many ebbs and flows of the game. Just proud of the guys, that one feels good.”

Though Sunday’s contest seemingly featured more lead swings than a pendulum, Maye’s play remained consistent. The former UNC standout improved his accuracy and his decision-making — particulary against the blitz and on designed bootlegs. He was credited with zero turnover-worthy plays, while completing 7-of-8 for 89 yards and one touchdown when blitzed, per NextGen Stats.

Still, both Maye and the Patriots found themselves in the Week 2 win column thanks largely in part to a fast start on offense. New England scored touchdowns on its first two drives of the game, pacing the Pats to an early 12-0 lead. Despite Miami’s best attempt to reverse the Patriots’ good fortunes, Maye and his squad were able to weather the storm and secure the victory.

“We were preaching all week start fast,” Maye said. “We did that, and we knew they could respond, and they responded well. We’ve got to come out of the half better. We had a three-and-out. Got to keep the drives going in the first half, get a first down, and once we do that, we’re pretty tough to stop. That’s our mindset. Like I said, just enjoy this win and get back after next week.”