Man, talk about a tough start! Drake Maye and the New England Patriots offense are in a serious slump right out of the gate this season. They’re only averaging a paltry 11.5 points per game through two matchups, and their EPA per play ranks a miserable 23rd across the league. It feels like we’ve seen this movie before, right? Last year, the Patriots stumbled to a 1-2 record after giving the ball away five times in a Week 3 loss. But then, boom! They exploded for 42 points against the Carolina Panthers, kicking off an insane 11-game winning streak that flipped their whole season. Now, Maye and the crew are scrambling to ignite that fire again.
Finding Their Rhythm and Fighting Old Habits
Maye himself admitted, “I think we’re finding ourselves.” He’s talking about the constant grind of a new season, integrating new guys, dealing with injuries, and just the general push every team makes to improve. He even pointed back to last year, remembering that 1-2 start and how they were “figuring ourselves out” before that Panthers game, trying to get the run game going and find some offensive rhythm. But this isn’t just about new faces. Part of the problem traces directly back to Maye’s decision making. We all saw it happen. After an overly aggressive fourth quarter right here in Seattle, where he threw three back-breaking interceptions that cost them the game, it seems like Maye totally overcorrected.
Coach Vrabel Wants Decisive Plays, Not Checkdowns
Against the Steelers, it was a different story: too passive. He passed up clear chances to attack downfield. Remember that first possession? Rookie tight end Eli Raridon was absolutely wide open up the seam, the number one read, just begging for the ball. What did Maye do? Checked it down to Rhamondre Stevenson. You just can’t leave those plays on the field! Coach Mike Vrabel laid it out simply, saying it’s all about “being decisive in everyone’s play, but it’s certainly magnified with the quarterback.” Vrabel stressed the need to “play fast and aggressively and make great decisions.” He even said, “Ultimately, it’s his responsibility to be able to distribute the football as quickly and decisively as possible in the places that it’s supposed to go, continue not to force things and try to just create a next play on every single play.” Sounds like he’s tired of the hesitation, and honestly, who can blame him?
For Maye, he connects that decisiveness back to instincts. He told reporters it’s about “Trusting what I see in practice and trusting the decisions I’m making out there on the field.” He says he’s “never been shied away from trusting something and letting it rip.” Well, now is the time to let it rip, Drake! The Patriots are desperate to avoid another 1-2 start. This Sunday, they head to Jacksonville, and the message from Maye and his coach is crystal clear: start fast. That means hitting early completions and still stretching the defense whenever those downfield opportunities scream his name. They need to find that spark, and fast.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
Leave a Reply