Patriots Star Reveals Drake Maye Second That Left Him Shocked

A.J. Brown arrived in New England anticipating to study a brand new offense and construct chemistry with Drake Maye. He didn’t anticipate the Patriots quarterback to take management of a gathering nearly instantly.

Brown recalled one in all his earliest staff conferences after New England acquired him from the Philadelphia Eagles on June 1. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was talking when Maye noticed a chance to contribute.

The younger quarterback didn’t stay silent.

“Josh was speaking and [Drake] kind of cut him off,” Brown mentioned, based on ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “Not in a rude way, but he just kind of took over.”

Brown instantly understood what the second revealed about his new quarterback.

“That said so much from a young guy, to know what he’s talking about, No. 1, and to lead and be the voice of this team,” Brown mentioned. “When I heard that, I was like, ‘Wow.’”

Drake Maye Becoming More Vocal Patriots Leader

Maye already proved he can produce at an elite degree. He accomplished a Patriots-record 72% of his passes final season and completed because the runner-up for the NFL MVP award. He additionally led New England to Super Bowl LX throughout his second skilled season.

The subsequent stage of his growth includes taking higher management of the whole lot round him.

Quarterbacks coach Ashton Grant instructed ESPN that the Patriots need Maye to imagine extra “ownership of the whole operation.” That progress turned seen all through coaching camp. Maye spent much less time instantly looking for a coach after performs. Instead, he approached teammates immediately and defined what he preferred, what wanted to vary and the way New England may execute extra successfully.

Hunter Henry has observed the distinction.

“He’s stepping up big-time, just the leadership role,” Henry instructed ESPN. “He’s speaking up when he needs to, able to kind of elevate guys and push guys along.”

Maye acknowledged that he nonetheless can grow to be extra expressive.

“I think I need to do it more, celebrating, be louder, show my personality more,” Maye mentioned.

That development issues as a result of Maye stays one of many youngest gamers within the Patriots’ locker room. He turned 24 on Aug. 30 and now should lead veterans with significantly extra NFL expertise.

Brown’s first impression suggests Maye is able to settle for that accountability.

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A.J. Brown Gives Maye A True No. 1 Target

New England’s acquisition of Brown additionally provides Maye extra freedom on the sphere. The Patriots traded a 2028 first-round decide to Philadelphia for the four-time Pro Bowl choice and Super Bowl champion. Brown gives Maye with the bodily No. 1 receiver he didn’t have final season.

Their connection developed shortly.

According to ESPN, Maye accomplished extra coaching camp passes to Brown than another receiver. Their lockers are also situated subsequent to one another, giving them one other alternative to strengthen their relationship away from the sphere.

Maye has made his intentions clear.

“I am not going to shy away from him,” Maye mentioned. “It could be the fifth play in a row, I am going to give him the rock.”

Brown has been equally impressed by Maye’s means.

“He’s very special,” Brown mentioned. “He makes my job a lot easier. He can place the ball anywhere.”

The partnership will obtain a direct take a look at Wednesday evening when New England visits the Seattle Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl LX.

Maye can’t erase what occurred in February. He can display how a lot he has grown since then. Brown already witnessed that progress in a gathering room. The Patriots now want the remainder of the NFL to see it on the sphere.

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