The New England Patriots are thrilled about the potential of their young quarterback, Drake Maye. During his rookie season, Maye showcased undeniable superstar talent, cementing his role as the team’s franchise quarterback.
Despite stepping into the starting role earlier than anticipated, Maye exceeded expectations. By the end of the season, he had completed 66.6% of his passes for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Additionally, he contributed 421 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground. At just 22 years old, his potential is sky-high.
However, there is one area Maye needs to address moving forward. Mike Masala of The Sporting News graded his rookie performance a B-, citing turnovers as a concern.
“The turnovers (10 interceptions and nine total fumbles) were a bit of a concern this season,” Masala observed. “However, with more support around him in the future, he should be able to limit those and help carry the team.”
Masala’s assessment holds weight, as Maye’s struggles were partly due to a lack of surrounding talent. This offseason, improving the offensive line and adding a top-tier receiver are top priorities for New England. Better protection will reduce the need for Maye to make hurried decisions, while a reliable No. 1 target will bolster the passing game.
While Maye’s turnovers were notable, they are not uncommon for rookie quarterbacks adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL. Despite those growing pains, his performance was everything the Patriots could have hoped for, and his future with the team looks incredibly promising.
