Patriots OC Josh McDaniels 'excited' about Drake Maye after practices with Vikings

The New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings got together for two joint practices last week ahead of this past Saturday's preseason game involving the clubs that New England won 20-12. 

While speaking with CBS Boston over the weekend, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels suggested that second-year quarterback Drake Maye took steps in the right direction during the practices against the Vikings. 

"I was really excited about the way he handled those practices this week," McDaniels said about Maye, as shared by Mark Daniels of MassLive. "Practice by nature is always difficult because you put yourself in a scenario where you run the same thing over and over again. That’s not really how a football game goes. There were a lot of long-yardage situations that he had to handle. A lot of two-minute drills. A lot of difficult low-red zone situations that he was a part of. I think we saw a lot of growth from him." 

First-year Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel clearly wants Maye to grow as a leader this summer as McDaniels and Co. look to coach mistakes out of the 22-year-old. Specifically StatMuse shows that only three quarterbacks committed more turnovers than Maye (10 interceptions, six lost fumbles) last season. In July, Patriots insider Chad Graff of The Athletic noted that "Maye ranked 22nd out of 25 qualifying quarterbacks in turnover-worthy throw percentage" as a rookie. 

According to Daniels, Maye was turnover-free as he connected on 26-of-39 passes (67 percent) in the joint practices against Minnesota. In New England's second preseason game, Maye completed 4-of-7 attempts for 46 yards. 

"He did a great job taking care of the football, had great poise," McDaniels added about how Maye performed in the joint practices with the Vikings. "And there’s not going to be a more difficult defense to have to deal with before the ball is snapped – and then combine that with how good they are after the ball is snapped. Really excited about where he’s going, where he’s headed. I love the way he works. Love the way he approaches every day. Patriot Nation should be excited, too."

Daniels mentioned that "it wouldn’t be surprising if Maye doesn’t play" in New England's preseason finale at the New York Giants this coming Thursday night. It sounds like Maye can start getting ready for the Patriots' Week 1 game against the Las Vegas Raiders that will be held at New England's Gillette Stadium on Sept. 7.