Questions about Drake Maye‘s development have emerged following the Week 1 struggles of the New England Patriots, though the team remains firmly behind its young starting quarterback.
The Patriots lost to the Las Vegas Raiders, and Maye appeared overwhelmed during key moments, prompting speculation about whether his workload might be too demanding.
Maye recently addressed those concerns, expressing confidence in his grasp of the offensive system.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels echoed that sentiment, defending the team’s approach with its second-year QB.
“We haven’t given him anything more than what we’ve given him all year, which is not too much,” McDaniels said. “I think we have to understand it’s his first game in our system. I think we all learned a lot from each experience we’ve had.”
Josh McDaniels on if there’s too much on Drake Maye’s plate:
“No. No. We didn’t give him anymore than what we’ve given him all year, which is not too much. We have to understand it’s his first game in our system.”
“Im focused really on the process of him getting better… https://t.co/JDSjjrW03z pic.twitter.com/wPjx1JZqA4
— Patriots on CLNS (@PatriotsCLNS) September 11, 2025
McDaniels avoided specifics when discussing areas of improvement but acknowledged room for growth while expressing optimism about the quarterback’s long-term trajectory.
Against Las Vegas, he completed 30 of 46 passes for 287 yards and one touchdown, with one interception and four sacks, though much of that came with the outcome decided.
McDaniels emphasized that the coaching staff has maintained consistent expectations since the offseason.
The Week 2 game against the Miami Dolphins will be Maye’s 14th NFL start.
The organization believes he can handle his current responsibilities while gradually improving his decision-making and overall production as he becomes more comfortable within the offensive framework.
