One-time NFL MVP shares advice for Patriots' Drake Maye

New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye seemingly will begin his first pro season as a backup behind veteran Jacoby Brissett.

Retired signal-caller, one-time regular-season Most Valuable Player and current NFL analyst Matt Ryan recently offered some advice while speaking with Maye following a training camp practice.

"Take it day by day. That’s exactly what I told him after practice," Ryan said during a chat with Dan Roche of CBS Boston about his conversation with Maye, as shared by Lauren Campbell of MassLive. "I’ve gotten to know Drake a little bit and he’s a really good guy and has a good head on his shoulders. But it’s hard."

Maye's struggles and "rough moments" during training camp have generated headlines this summer even though it was known long before New England made him the third overall pick of the 2024 draft that he was a work in progress and a prospect for the future. Additionally, the 21-year-old may be feeling extra pressure due to the fact that sixth-round draft pick Joe Milton III has impressed onlookers during New England practices.

"You’re going to have days where it doesn’t feel like it’s going well, but you have to keep coming back every day with the same attitude, same type of intensity to see that little progression grow," Ryan continued during his comments about Maye. "Before you know it, you’re going to feel comfortable. It just takes hard work day in and day out."

As of Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook continued to list Brissett as a massive -900 betting favorite to start over Maye (+550) for New England's regular-season opener at the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 8. Ryan is among those who believe it could benefit everyone involved for Maye to develop as a backup who can learn while watching and listening to Brissett over the next handful of months.

"It helps when you have a veteran guy who has been in a number of different systems, has played with a lot of success when he had opportunities and been around guys who have been at the top of the position," Ryan added. "He has been around and could tell you to 'chill out.' I think Jacoby is a great mentor."

The Patriots will play 13 straight games before their Week 14 bye. As long as Brissett stays healthy, he could and arguably should remain the starter until New England begins preparations for its Week 15 matchup at the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 15.