What Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel sees in New England Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye

What is Drake Maye had an offensive minded head coach like Mike McDaniel?

In seeing how the New England Patriots defense has had a hard time stopping Tua Tagovailoa with the weapons he has around him, it is hard not to note how the Miami Dolphins head coach would gameplan around a young quarterback with the talent of Maye.

With his team routing the Patriots 34-15 in a Week 12 AFC East matchup, McDaniel walked away impressed by the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.  He praised him during the week prior to the game, but after seeing him in person sees a quarterback who can own the game.

“Yeah, it was what we kind of prepared for. He had ownership of the game even a little bit more than what had shown on tape,” McDaniel said in his postgame conference. “He made some plays in similar fashions that he made on tape. I think when you're able to be a pocket passer but then extend plays and make teams pay when you're in man coverage or two man, it's a problem. He'll continue to make plays as he gets better and better in the pocket. It's a guy that honestly, I'm not really rooting for his development, being in the division, but I can appreciate the player, and they have a very good player to work with at that position. We'll continue to have to be on our stuff.”

Drake Maye continues to find ways to show he’s the GUY in New England

In another disappointing loss by the Patriots, Maye once again proved to be the one bright spot on the offensive side of the ball.  In all he threw for 222 yards with 1 touchdown with a 74.4 QBR.  He made his mistakes with a fumble and an interception, but he found ways to create time in the pocket and make plays with both his arm and his legs.  When he had time to get the ball out, he was able to move the ball most notably on the second drive of the game which led to a missed field goal. 

That drive caused the Dolphins’ defense to change things up and come after Maye.  Again, the pressure led to some mistakes, but Maye was able to extend plays to get the ball down field, like his lone touchdown pass to tight end Austin Hooper which is an example of what McDaniel sees in the Patriots quarterback. 

That is why Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo and the front office has to build around Maye.  Top draft needs spotlighted after the brutal loss to the Dolphins is offensive line help, a top tier wide receiver and pass rush help.

Which area of need is most important will depend on the remainder of the season, but the O-line will get help with the eventual return of Cole Strange and the Patriots will also need to see what they have in 2024 NFL Draft third-round pick Caedan Wallace.  As far as playmakers around Maye, the Patriots need to get an outside threat who can expose defenses when Maye does extend plays.  Second-year receiver Kayshon Boutte has become that man, but he’s not a No. 1 type receiver.  That’s where a draft prospect like Tetaiora McMillan would be supreme in the Patriots’ offense.

Like Tua has with Jayden Waddle who torched the Patriots’ secondary, Maye would have that prime target who could help take the top off the defense.  In seeing what McDaniel has in his offense and how unstoppable it can be with the right play calling and talent, the Patriots must focus in the offseason on finding both protection and playmakers for a quarterback who is showing he has something special.