Patriots Drake Maye Issues Warning To Broncos Secondary

The New England Patriots offense faced off against a great Houston Texans defense in the Divisional Round, and will play another elite defense in the AFC Championship Game.

The Broncos allowed the seventh-fewest passing yards in football this regular season. They’ve allowed the second-fewest total yards in football as well. They are right behind the Texans’ defense in both marks.

The Broncos’ secondary features the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in Patrick Surtain II and an elite pass rush that led the league in sacks. It’s not easy to complete deep passes against the Broncos with how fast they get to the quarterback and how talented their secondary is.

Drake Maye and the Patriots have excelled at throwing the ball deep this season, and Maye is not intimidated by what the Broncos have put on tape. When asked if he would change his approach, he noted that the Texans also had a great defense, and they were able to take some shots, notably his touchdown pass to Kayshon Boutte.

“If we have time and have a look downfield, you know me, I’m going to take the look and take a shot,” Maye said to reporters on Wednesday when asked if he would change his approach this week.

The Broncos’ secondary is not going to intimidate Maye from taking his shots downfield, despite their success. However, Maye taking shots downfield will be reliant on how long the offensive line can give Maye and the receivers to set up those shots.

Teams gain just 6.1 yards per pass attempt against the Broncos’ defense, which is the second lowest park in the league. It’s very clear that the Patriots’ offense is up against another elite defense.

Maye has not shied away from throwing the ball downfield all season, and he has let the Broncos know that that is not going to change this week.