Patriots' Drake Maye addresses renewed concerns about playing style after latest concussion scare

New England Patriots fans held their breath in the third quarter of the Week 7 game versus the Tennessee Titans when second-year quarterback Drake Maye had to be evaluated for a concussion after his head bounced off the turf. 

Maye was ultimately cleared to return to help the Patriots earn a 31-13 win that improved them to 5-2 on the season. On Wednesday, Maye addressed whether or not that play offered yet another reminder that he must do a better job of protecting himself during contests. 

Drake Maye still learning when to slide and when to try to make a big play

"There's always emphasis on sliding for me," Maye explained, per Sophie Weller of Patriots Wire/USA Today. "They've said it since the beginning of the year. From last year, taking hits and knowing being out there for the next play is most important... Sliding and knowing when to get down, and also knowing whether it's a third down or near the end zone."

As a rookie, Maye entered the NFL's concussion protocol during New England's Week 8 win over the New York Jets. According to Karen Guregian of MassLive, he was also evaluated for a concussion during the Patriots' Week 17 game against the Los Angeles Chargers in late December of last year. 

Maye's ability to extend plays with his legs has helped him become a legitimate Most Valuable Player Award candidate this fall. That said, his arm was New England's most valuable offensive weapon of the season's first seven weeks. 

ESPN stats show that Maye began Thursday ranked fourth in the NFL among qualified players with a 76.8 adjusted QBR, second with a 116.4 passer rating and eighth with 1,744 passing yards on the season. Over seven games, he tossed 12 touchdown passes and only a pair of interceptions. 

Drake Maye sometimes must silence competitive side

"I’m competitive and want to make the most out of every play, but I’ve also got to be smart over that," Maye added during his comments. 

If he doesn't follow his own advice, he could miss more than a few plays as early as this coming Sunday's home game versus the Cleveland Browns (2-5). As of Thursday morning, ESPN BET had New England as a 6.5-point favorite for that matchup.