Patriots Coach Explains How Drake Maye Benefitted From NFL Debut

The Patriots continue to preach patience with Drake Maye, but the coaching staff has seen considerable change in the rookie quarterback since his NFL debut.

Maye played in the final minutes of New England's blowout loss to the New York Jets last Thursday. The 22-year-old passed for 22 yards off 4-of-8 passes and rushed for 12 yards. He was still ravaged behind a weak offensive line, but head coach Jerod Mayo found positives in the performance.

While Maye would be ready to start whenever his number is called, Jacoby Brissett remains the starter. However, Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt revealed a sharp change on the practice field since last Thursday.

"Really good. He's continuing to grow," Van Pelt told reporters Thursday, per Alex Barth of 98.5 The Sports Hub. "I think the game experience the other night will really help him moving forward ... starting to see him really grow on the practice field."

Mayo affirmed this week that New England kept Brissett and Maye in the 70/30 plan in practice, and the head coach stated there was no thought of signing a veteran backup quarterback.

Maye fans will have to be patient for the rookie's first start, but they might also root for blowouts for a chance to see the 2024 third-overall pick on the field again.