Patriots QB Drake Maye knows he must be 'cognizant' of Broncos edge-rushers

"I don't think you try to change it," Maye said Wednesday when asked if he might be more conservative in Denver, via Boston.com. "I think last week, if you change it, Kayshon (Boutte) doesn't make the play. Little things like that are just knowing the time and place for it. Trying to get the ball out of my hand and just being cognizant of the edge rushers and taking care of the football is the No. 1 thing. If we have time and have a look downfield, you know me, I'm gonna take a shot."

Drake Maye may not need to do much for Patriots to beat Broncos

Outside of his sack problems (10 this postseason), Maye has done a decent job leading the Patriots offense in the postseason in only his second season under center, throwing for 447 yards (33-of-56) and four touchdowns along with two interceptions. A front-runner for the MVP Award (4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns), Maye doesn't need to be in his MVP form against the Broncos. But he does need to be adequate, as the Patriots defense under head coach Mike Vrabel is the best defense (224.0 yards) this postseason. 

With the Broncos having to use backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham after starter Bo Nix suffered an ankle injury, the Patriots defense could have a field day, as Stidham has 20 games in the NFL under his belt. If Maye can turn down the pressure on himself and play his game while letting Vrabel handle countering the Broncos offense, the Patriots have a good shot at pulling out a win.