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Drake Maye exceeded expectations as a rookie and played well. He started after week six and stepped in and looked like a seasoned veteran. He threw 15 touchdown passes but also threw 10 interceptions. Maye could have done a better job of taking care of the football but overall, he played well enough to give the organization and fans alike hope that he is the future of the franchise at the quarterback.
Maye is entering year two playing for his second different offensive coordinator in as many years in Josh McDaniels. McDaniels, a six time Super Bowl champion in New England is renowned for his quarterback work. We know what he did with Tom Brady but when it comes to McDaniels body of work, it is more about what he did with Matt Cassel in 2008, Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett in 2016 and Mac Jones in 2021. McDaniels knows how to develop quarterbacks.
McDaniels is bringing back the offense he ran here for years but with a twist. He is going to blend in some modern concepts including RPO’s and read plays in an attempt to take advantage of Maye’s athleticism and play making ability.
The East Coast Offense as I call it is a volume offense that has a lot of post snap adjustments in the passing game. It is going to be interesting to see how Maye and the receivers get on the same. Maye will be challenged trying to master the offense right out of the gate. McDaniels said the spring that he was full speed ahead regarding the install.
The Patriots signed veteran Josh Dobbs in the off-season to back up Maye. Dobbs has lengthy experience as a starter and as a back up. He is also one of the smartest quarterbacks in the league. He will have problem mastering the offense and stepping in for Maye if necessary. The hope is however Dobbs never has to play.
Rookie Ben Wooldridge is the third quarterback. The rookie from Louisiana has good size at 6’2 214 and he can push the ball down the field. In the Patriots system, he is the ideal third quarterback who can develop behind Maye and Dobbs. Again, you hope he never has to play. At least not in New England.