Patriots Admit They're Holding Drake Maye Back in 2024
The focus of the 2024 season for the New England Patriots was to develop rookie quarterback Darke Maye. That process began with Maye sitting the first five games of the season. Nevertheless, once Maye began to start, fans saw his arm talent and mobility on full display.
That said, the Patriots haven't been using Maye's legs as much lately. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt was asked about this press conference on Thursday. He said the offense would call more runs for Drake Maye if the team were fighting for a playoff spot, according to Taylor Kyles.
Alex Van Pelt says the offense would call more runs for Drake Maye if the team were fighting for a playoff spot, but also notes how the Browns had a QB suffer an injury on a run play during his time in Cleveland
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) December 19, 2024
Wants to keep Maye healthy to close out this season
Patriots aim to keep Drake Maye safe by not calling designed quarterback runs
The quarterback Van Pelt was likely mentioning getting hurt late in the season in Cleveland was Baker Mayfield. While it's good that he learned from that, limiting Maye just to keep him healthy seems counterintuitive.
Over the last month, Maye has rushed 17 times for 126 yards and one touchdown. In comparison, Maye rushed 19 times for 197 yards and one touchdown in his first month as the starter. While Maye's total rushes aren't too dissimilar, he is coming off a game with only one rushing attempt.
With Maye showing he can be the Patriots' next franchise quarterback, Van Pelt needs to maximize the time left in his rookie season. Taking away an aspect of the game that has helped Maye play better certainly doesn't do that.
While Van Pelt changing his stance on this is not likely, he should really consider it.
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