Latest news with #Maye
USA Today
11 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Bills QB Josh Allen makes honest admission on Patriots QB Drake Maye
Bills QB Josh Allen makes honest admission on Patriots QB Drake Maye Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has more than just respect for New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. He admitted that Maye is one of his favorite young quarterbacks in the NFL. That sets the stage for an interesting rivalry with Maye and Allen facing each other twice every season. Allen is the reigning NFL MVP and the face of the league, while Maye is the promising newcomer determined to one day take the throne. "I think Drake is super talented, he's one of my favorite young quarterbacks in the league," Allen told Sports Illustrated's Liam McKeone. "I've spent some time around him and he's got his head on his shoulders the right way. He just does things the right way. I think that he exemplifies football." Maye made the Pro Bowl and teased his elite potential as a franchise quarterback for New England in his rookie season. Getting a ringing endorsement from Allen isn't something to downplay. Maye will be in a position to take things to the next level in 2025 with an improved offensive line, more weapons and a much more experienced coaching staff. The Bills are still at the top of the mountain in the AFC East, but Maye and the Patriots might finally be closing the gap. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Patriots QB coach gives update on Drake Maye's progress in new offense
Patriots QB coach gives update on Drake Maye's progress in new offense New England Patriots quarterbacks coach Ashton Grant shared an update on second-year quarterback Drake Maye's progress in the new offense. Maye went from Alex Van Pelt as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach T.C. McCartney to Josh McDaniels and Grant. That's a major shake-up for a second-year quarterback who didn't have a ton of games at the college level. The Patriots have gone to great lengths to ease the process by upgrading the weapons around Maye and improving the offensive line. Things started rocky early in OTAs, but Maye improved later in the spring practices. 'Drake is doing a hell of a job with a change from one offense to a new offense," Grant told media members. "He's been a pro's pro. He's been super intentional with everything we've asked him to do, so I couldn't be happier with where he is right now." Maye finished his rookie campaign with 2,276 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. That was good enough to earn him a Pro Bowl nod in his first NFL season. There will be added pressure on performance in his second season with all of the additions made to the Patriots' roster. His ability to grasp McDaniels' offense and implement it successfully in game situations will mean the difference between the Patriots finally getting over the hump or suffering another disappointing season. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
New England Patriots 2025 NFL Season Preview
New England Patriots 2025 NFL Season Preview originally appeared on Athlon Sports. [Editor's note: This article is from Athlon Sports' 2025 NFL Preview Magazine. Order your copy today online or pick one up at retail racks and newsstands nationwide.] Advertisement The New England Patriots didn't undergo a complete makeover this offseason, but it's safe to say that head coach Mike Vrabel and de facto general manager Eliot Wolf just about tore the franchise down to the studs — quarterback Drake Maye, cornerback Christian Gonzalez and some other foundational elements — with the hope of building back another championship team in its place. Vrabel takes over from another former New England linebacker in Jerod Mayo, who went 4-13 in his one season at the helm while proving to be the latest example of 'Don't be the guy who follows the guy.' As a result, the post-Bill Belichick hangover still lingers over this franchise, but the shadow of the old coach doesn't loom as large as it once did. More NFL team previews AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans AFC West: Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders Advertisement NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints NFC West: 49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks The Patriots were hyper-aggressive in free agency, landing blue-chip talent and high-character locker room guys on both sides of the ball. They weren't shy about parting with established veterans, getting rid of some of their last links to the Super Bowl era. And they went hard in the draft, going after help for Maye and creating another layer of depth on all three levels of defense. The result? A sense of guarded optimism. That, mixed with Vrabel's brand of swagger and enthusiasm for the rebuild, has created a heightened sense of expectation. Only one team has won fewer games than the Patriots since the start of the 2023 season, so there's nowhere to go but up, right? 'We all want to win. That's why we're here,' Vrabel says. 'That's why I got hired; it's to win, to put a product on the field [fans] can be excited about, that they can care about, and they can support. Like, that's the whole goal. And I don't think they should have to wait very long.' Offense Vrabel brought back offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who has been charged with guiding Maye and the rest of the New England attack. The third overall pick in 2024, Maye underwent his share of growing pains as a rookie thanks in large part to a woeful offensive line and a lack of skill-position players around him. If McDaniels can figure out a way to get Maye to the next level, it'll represent a sizable step in the right direction for one of the worst offenses in the league last year. New Patriots head coach Mike VrabelEric Canha-Imagn Images One thing that will help is a retooled offensive line. The Patriots started 12 different offensive linemen last year, two shy of the all-time record. They landed veteran offensive linemen Morgan Moses (right tackle), Wes Schweitzer (guard) and Garrett Bradbury (center) in free agency. The hope is they can fit with some of the holdovers like Mike Onwenu (right guard) and Cole Strange (left guard), as well as rookies Will Campbell (left tackle) and Jared Wilson (center). Advertisement When it comes to the skill-position players, they shored up the receiving corps with veterans Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins and rookie Kyle Williams. That group, as well as holdovers Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, will engage in some of the fiercest position battles on the roster. Most teams usually lean on six receivers, which means two familiar faces won't be around when the season begins. There's also a spicy position battle brewing at running back, as second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson will fight with established vets Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson for reps this season. The one area that will likely remain status quo is tight end, where Hunter Henry (one of Maye's favorite targets in 2024) and Austin Hooper deliver an adequate 1-2 punch. Defense On defense, Vrabel and new coordinator Terrell Williams have changed the scheme — and personnel. For years under Belichick — as well as last year's plan with Mayo — the Patriots' defensive linemen were more about occupying space in a 3-4 alignment to free things up for the linebackers. Now, they're eying a more attacking, disruptive playing style, particularly for the defensive line. Advertisement But at the end of the day, a lot of the success or failure of this defense will hinge on the health and continued development of two players: Gonzalez and defensive lineman Christian Barmore. Gonzalez has emerged as a No. 1 corner, capable of putting the clamps on elite receivers on a regular basis. Meanwhile, Barmore was sidelined for much of last year with blood clot issues. If he can return at 100%, his ability to get after opposing passers while remaining stout against the run would bring an added three-down dimension to the defense that no one else on the roster can match. Eagles Super Bowl LIX hero Milton Williams meets with Patriots media after signing a free-agent deal with New Canha-Imagn Images In addition, free-agent pickups Milton Williams and Khyiris Tonga, as well as Barmore and fourth-round pick Joshua Farmer, should make for a beefed-up interior that will keep offensive line coaches busy game-planning. Edge defenders like Keion White, Harold Landry III and Anfernee Jennings are expected to round out the bulk of the defensive front. Linebacker Robert Spillane and cornerbacks Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III, a free-agent pickup from Detroit, figure to lead the second level. Safety has remained the most stable position for New England the last few seasons, and that should be the case again with veterans Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger. Specialists When it comes to special teams, changes are coming, as the rookie long-snapper Julian Ashby replaces veteran Joe Cardona and rookie kicker Andres Borregales steps in for Joey Slye. Punter Bruce Baringer and gunner Brenden Schooler remain; the duo were the best and most consistent part of the Patriots' special teams units the last two seasons. Gibson and reserve cornerback Marcus Jones will be involved on returns. Final Analysis So much hinges on a few key elements: Maye's continued growth. The ability of Campbell to handle the responsibilities of the left tackle spot. If Barmore can return at 100% after a bout with blood clots. The truth of the matter is that if the Patriots aren't able to answer those questions, they could be bound for another four-win season and more instability. Advertisement But if everything breaks right and the Patriots stay healthy, eight or nine wins aren't out of the question, given the schedule and improved roster. That would represent a step in the right direction for a franchise that aims to return to greatness sooner rather than later. 'We have to improve. I mean, I think that's the goal,' Vrabel says. 'Our expectations aren't going to change; it's going to be to win the division, it's going to be host playoff games, and it's going to be to compete for championships. So we're never going to put a timetable or any sort of prediction on when that may happen. But it has to happen. 'We're going to build a program, we're going to have a foundation, we're going to give them something to believe in and be proud of. And hopefully, they are able to hold each other accountable to that standard.' More NFL team previews AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans AFC West: Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints NFC West: 49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks Related: Athlon Sports 2025 NFL Preview Magazine Now Available This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Patriots WR Stefon Diggs shares honest thoughts on Drake Maye
Patriots WR Stefon Diggs shares honest thoughts on Drake Maye New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs shared his first impressions of second-year quarterback Drake Maye when speaking with media members at minicamp. Diggs was signed to a three-year, $69 million contract to serve as a top receiving option for Maye. The four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver is currently working his way back from a torn ACL, which kept him sidelined from 11-on-11 work during the spring practices. However, he has participated in work with lower intensity, and he looks to be well ahead of schedule in his recovery process. He was seen catching passes from Maye at minicamp, which is something fans are hoping to see much more of in the 2025 season. 'I like [Maye]. I can't say too much because I haven't been out there much, but as far as like personality-wise, he a dog. You can tell he's a dog from the get-go," said Diggs. "I can see he's committed to the process. He wants to play well. I know he's been here all spring. ...He's been real helpful, too." If Maye and Diggs can get on the same page early, it could take the Patriots' offense to new heights. Maye might have his new No. 1 wide receiver, and Diggs would have a chance to bounce back with a talented young quarterback. It might finally be the recipe for success in New England. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
USA Today
12-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Drake Maye talks about comfortability in New England's offense ahead of second NFL season
Drake Maye talks about comfortability in New England's offense ahead of second NFL season Will Drake Maye take a "Sophomore Leap" in his second NFL season? During his two seasons as the North Carolina Tar Heels' starting quarterback, Drake Maye showcased why he'd be an NFL star for years to come. Maye burst onto the scene in 2022, earning ACC Player and Rookie of the Year Honors. When Maye's UNC career ended, he amassed 8,018 passing yards and 63 passing touchdowns, while also running for over 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns. The New England Patriots, in desperate need of a franchise quarterback since Brady's retirement, chose Maye with the third overall pick of 2024's NFL Draft. While New England struggled to its third-consecutive losing season last year, Maye showed glimpses of being "the guy." On Monday afternoon, after one of the Patriots' final spring practices, Maye spoke to the media about his comfortability – in his team's offense – entering the fall. "I think we're catching the stride; I think I'm starting to find a stride," Maye told ESPN's Mike Reiss. "I'm bummed out we're about to leave (for the summer), but it's fun. I feel like I've done a good job of trying to keep the football in our hands, and that's one of our key focuses. It's good for us to install plays, get a feel for what I like. Coach (Josh) McDaniels has been awesome about asking what I like and what he expects from me on certain plays. So it's been good to be able to get that outside and on the field." Maye ended his rookie NFL season with 2,276 passing yards, 15 touchdown and 10 interceptions, plus 421 rushing yards and two additional scores. Your first chance to see Maye in a New England uniform this coming season comes August 8, when the Washington Commanders come to Gillette Stadium for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff, as part of NFL preseason action. Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
