How Patriots' Drake Maye can bounce back from sluggish start

Improve play out of standard pass, continue to perform well in play-action

Against Las Vegas, Maye missed the mark on several plays when the offense ran traditional passing plays. His worst miss came on this interception:

Out of play-action, however, the 23-year-old was much better. He completed 70 percent of his throws (7/10) for 71 yards. A successful NFL QB must be confident in both play-action and standard pass. Against Miami, Maye needs to continue dominating out of play-action, while improving his accuracy when offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels does not implement a run fake.

Lean on WRs Kayshon Boutte and Stefon Diggs

Considering the rainy conditions and Maye's struggles, both pass-catchers played well against Las Vegas. Boutte had six catches for 103 yards, while Diggs had six catches for 57 yards. 

The rest of New England's receiving options — hold tight end Hunter Henry — have not demonstrated themselves to be as reliable. Until they do, Maye should regularly turn to Boutte and Diggs for yardage. It's a proven recipe for success.

Flip on the playmaker switch

Maye was not a third pick in the draft because New England saw him as a pocket-passer QB. He is a natural-born playmaker who has the mobility and speed to evade pressure, extend plays and score unlikely TDs.

We didn't see that side of Maye in Week 1. He looked similar to former Patriots QB Mac Jones, who was known for staying in the pocket and throwing short-yardage routes. Maye needs to be more comfortable going off-script. It is how he succeeded in college, and it is how he will succeed in the NFL.