Drake Maye’s rookie year with the New England Patriots hasn’t been a dream start. They are 3-9 this season and have little to no chance of making the playoffs.
However, Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt doesn’t have these things in mind, instead issuing a stern warning to the quarterback.
Alex Van Pelt Cautions Rookie Drake Maye for Turnovers
Several people have outlined the struggles Maye has faced as being part and parcel of being a starting rookie QB. Van Pelt, however, isn’t giving the No. 3 overall pick in 2024 that pass.
“The turnovers, they have to stop. I mean, there’s no excuses,” said Van Pelt. “Whether you’re a rookie, 10-year player, vet, doesn’t matter. We can’t turn the ball over and expect to win games. So that’s definitely an area of emphasis for us. With Drake, he just continues to develop.
“You forget sometimes that he is a rookie. There’s some mistakes that he’ll make just from [lack of] experience…But he continues to develop and does a really nice job. We’ve just got to take care of the football.”
In seven starts for New England, Maye has been intercepted seven times and has fumbled the ball on five occasions. The rookie has thrown for 1,458 yards with 10 touchdowns under his belt.
Maye’s Protection Is Top Priority
Many fans and pundits have been shocked that Maye hasn’t been running the ball often enough as he used to do at North Carolina. During the press conference, Van Pelt highlighted that plays have been designed for Maye to take off with the ball but haven’t been called.
“He does run enough,” Van Pelt said. “He’s taking the hits in the pocket as a passer. So just trying to keep him as healthy as possible. But again, when the time comes, and if we need a play, and we think that’s the best play to get him carrying the ball, then we’ll do that.”
This season, Maye’s runs have only come off scrambles. He has carried the ball 33 times this season, registering 286 yards and a touchdown.