The New England Patriots might not have a consistent No. 1 wide receiver, but they do have enough talent surrounding second-year quarterback Drake Maye to get the job done and compete each week.
After five weeks, the offense is finally getting more comfortable working in a new system under OC Josh McDaniels, and it's showing as the season progresses. There has been a different leading receiver in four of the five games, which is a product of the offensive system operating and functioning on all cylinders each week.
- Week 1: Kayshon Boutte, 103 yards
- Week 2: Rhamondre Stevenson, 88 yards
- Week 3: Hunter Henry, 90 yards
- Week 4: Stefon Diggs, 101 yards
- Week 5: Stefon Diggs, 146 yards
New England's offensive system is reputable for getting production from all the skill positions from all over the field and not just focusing on one position that might have more talent or star power than the other. While that strategy doesn't work for everyone, it has for the Pats.
The expectation for Maye in this offense is to get the ball to the open receiver quickly and to be efficient in his operation. In doing so, he is statistically one of the best QBs in the NFL this season.
- 73.9% Completion Percentage (2nd)
- 107.8 Passer Rating (6th)
- 1,261 Passing Yards (5th)
- 252.2 Passing YDS/G (5th)
- 8.2 Yards per Attempt (5th)
- 113 Completions (7th)
In other words, the Patriots couldn't have done a better job with the team they've built around Maye.
Patriots Have Just The Right Amount Of Talent Around Drake Maye
Maye came into the league as an above-average and borderline elite QB, and he's already exceeded expectations. Feeling comfortable in a sophisticated offense that is surrounded by talented veterans shows that the Patriots have done well at building around their franchise signal-caller.
Sometimes having too many options in an offense doesn't work out, as it can have a declining impact on some of the other parts of the team; an embarrassment of riches, as they say. An example of this is with the Detroit Lions over the last two years. An influx of talent led to the decline of their all-pro tight end Sam Laporta after he produced one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history in 2023.
It's fair to say that although the Patriots don't have the most talented skill position players; however, they do have just enough of the right players in place for this team to be successful. Having a different pass-catcher step up each week isn't necessarily a bad thing, and the offense will only look better once two of Maye's weapons finally get going at the same time.
The offense will function properly for as long as Maye can lead the way. With Stefon Diggs returning to form, he's showcasing himself to the rest of the NFL that he is still a top dog in the league, and his continued success will only keep raising Maye's ceiling.
The Patriots will be in good hands as long as they stick with their current plan. Providing Maye with a diverse cast of weapons has paid off so far, and if New England eventually makes the playoffs, it'll be because of it.