The Patriots have supported quarterback Drake Maye this offseason with upgraded weapons and protection for him to succeed in his second year in New England. Not to mention adding an upgraded coaching staff as well. That said, for the Patriots to succeed as a team, Maye needs to be a bona fide leader.
The most important development for Maye heading into the season is his leadership, as he’s poised to be the starter in Week 1. Last season, Maye didn’t start the season until Week 6, so it’s fair to say that he didn’t feel like he had a firm grasp on the team to feel comfortable enough to be the leader.
Now heading into his second year, knowing that he is the guy, Maye should feel composed to lead and make his imprint on this team. During OTAs, Maye said as much during a press conference, touching on how comfortably he can lead the team.
“I think it’s something that is needed. I think Coach Vrabel has set that tone when he came in here and got hired. If you’re not doing the right thing, repeated times, there’s going to be some consequences. And I think that’s something we need to establish and I think it’s something that, me, growing up with three older brothers and around older people my whole life, I’ve kind of been comfortable, and once I get acclimated, which I feel like I definitely am now, to step in that zone.”
Although Maye is only 22 years old, his leadership is still going to be received well because he’s well-respected by his teammates, and they know what he can bring to the table for this team. Maye knows that for him to lead, he needs to be able to do his job first and foremost.
"Especially if offensively, if somebody’s not doing their job, it starts with me, I have to do mine first, but if somebody’s not doing their job and repeated mistakes, I think there will be consequences. I think at some point it hurts the football team and I think it hurts everybody in that building."Drake Maye
Every person leads in their own way. Some do it by being a loud enforcer type, while others are quiet to lead by example. Maye’s leadership style is still a bit of an unknown character trait, but he understands that being a leader comes with the job of being a starting quarterback.
I fully expect Maye to take the year two leap in every aspect of his game this season.