Drake Maye’s Answer On Leadership Should Delight Patriots Fans
Jerod Mayo put the Patriots in a crisis after Week 7, but his emerging stud quarterback could be the one to right the ship.
New England fell to 1-6 with a disappointing loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday. The result was tough itself, but Mayo caused a media storm when he openly called his team “soft.” The head coach tried to walk back his comment when he clarified the Patriots were “playing soft,” but the damage was already done. Bill Belichick was among many who criticized the comments as Mayo continues to struggle with public communication.
Multiple Patriots leaders are out with injuries and there seems to be turmoil within the locker room with players voicing their frustration on social media. Drake Maye seemed to understand what his role should be in the franchise’s supposed time of crisis.
“I think I’m starting to become more of a leader. I think that’s a big thing as a quarterback,” Maye told Christian Arcand and Andy Hart. “You need to lead these guys. I think I need to say more. I need to be more positive on the sideline and pump people up and fly around. (Alex Van Pelt) always preaches pick people up once they’re on the ground or getting tackled. I think I need to show some of that for myself not just a quarterback standing in the back.”
The Patriots lost Maye’s first two starts, but the rookie quarterback exceeded expectations and quelled fears his development would be hindered with a weak supporting cast. His pass-catchers are among the most vocal complainers, but Maye knew what could remedy the frustration in the locker room.
“As a quarterback of the football team, I think my job is to hone those guys in, keeping them in line and also giving them a chance on the football field,” Maye said. “I think it comes with that. I think those are good players, and they just want to make plays and want the football in their hands. You can’t get mad at them for that. I just think those guys as the season on and these weeks come by, I think they’re going to get more and more opportunities. Looking forward to seeing them make some plays.”
Mayo could take a lesson from Maye on how to handle the media when the team is at its lowest. It’s not often you’ll see a 22-year-old handle the responsibility required to be a franchise quarterback, and it’s starting to look like New England made the right choice with Maye.