The goal for the New England Patriots is for rookie quarterback Drake Maye to develop and continue improving as a player, and things appear to be going according to that plan to this point, per offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.
Maye made his first start on Sunday against the Houston Texans. He was the first Patriots quarterback to throw for three touchdowns in a game since 2022. He showed off his mobility and a strong arm in that contest.
It was a relatively rapid climb for the rookie, who sat on the bench for the first five weeks of the season. Now, he is being fully thrust into things as the starting quarterback.
Van Pelt was impressed with the quarterback’s performance on Sunday, and he indirectly commented on his development in the process, as transcribed by the Boston Herald’s Zack Cox.
Alex Van Pelt said Drake Maye is “very different” now than he was at the start of the season.
Recalled a rep in practice when Maye made a check against a zero blitz and threw a touchdown. Said that’s a play the QB probably wouldn’t have been able to make in Week 1.
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) October 17, 2024
The progression and development will be important for Maye, as he looks to lead the charge into a new era for the Patriots. His next test will come against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
