12 hours ago 1

Karen Guregian: Is there more pressure on Patriots QB Drake Maye to perform this year?

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 28: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots looks down as he exits the field after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)Getty Images

The Patriots have made fixes to the offensive line, including the all-important left tackle position.

They’ve added a few legitimate playmakers to Drake Maye’s arsenal.

And, Mike Vrabel & Co. also drafted an explosive game-breaking back.

For the most part, the Patriots checked off all of the major need boxes on offense.

In theory at least, Maye has been put in a better position to succeed in Year 2. Compared with last season, he’s been outfitted with a much-improved cast.

He also has a much more experienced and proven coaching staff to work with.

Does that mean there’s more pressure on Maye to produce this year? Is there more pressure on the franchise quarterback to succeed now that some of the obstacles in his path have been removed?

That’s certainly one way to look at it.

But knowing his makeup, Maye is going to put pressure on himself to produce whether he has to do most of the heavy-lifting - like last season with little to no help - or, if he actually has weapons and an offensive line to keep him upright.

“I think there’s enough pressure playing this position in the league,” Maye said Thursday, when asked specifically if there was more pressure on him in Year 2. “There’s guys around here that want to make plays, and can make plays for you. So I don’t think there’s any added pressure.

“I think there’s a belief every week you gotta bring it. And I think if there’s any added pressure, you want it. You want the ball in my hands when it’s crunch time.”

That’s the mindset any team would want in a starting quarterback.

The Patriots want Maye to embrace those situations, and assume the mantle of being the leader of the offense.

They want him to live up to all the hype of being a highly-touted first-round pick.

But before putting the cart before the horse, Maye simply needs to improve on last season.

He needs to play better, be more reliable, limit the turnovers and learn how to slide.

What he showed his rookie season, while promising, needs work.

Regardless of the new pieces put around him, Maye has to fix certain elements of his game before the Patriots turnaround can truly get moving.

He knows that more than anyone.

“I think if you go back (to last year), and you see negative plays, or sacks, or turnovers, I think there’s always ways to improve and protect the football,” Maye said. “Turnovers in this league are no good. They don’t result in wins in this league. So it’s finding ways to protect the football. It’s finding ways if ‘Hey, it’s third down, we’re in field goal range, don’t take a sack,’ little things like that you can always learn.”

Throwing 15 touchdown passes, with 10 interceptions, and nine fumbles isn’t going to improve the Patriots fortunes.

If anything, Maye is putting pressure on himself to change that narrative. He has to improve his game before making that Year 2 leap.

But he’s also excited by all of the new players he’s getting to work with, players who will make his job easier.

In free agency, the Pats added receivers Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, and veteran right tackle Morgan Moses. Then, they went offense-heavy at the top of the draft with OT Will Campbell, RB TreVeyon Henderson, WR Kyle Williams, and C Jared Wilson.

“I’m pumped ... I think we found answers at a lot of different spots that can plug and play,” Maye said. “I think that’s what the point of free agency is, to get guys that can help us win, help us win now.”

It’s also important to remember Maye is working with a new offensive coordinator in Josh McDaniels, learning a new playbook, with a completely new language.

So it’s going to take a little time before everything gels.

It’s not optimal for a young quarterback to have two different coordinators and playbooks in two years.

But once Maye gets a grasp, everything else should fall into place, including having more control of the offense at the line of scrimmage - something he didn’t have last year under Alex Van Pelt. The center had more responsibility in terms of calling out protections.

“The ball’s in my hands, I think you want that. I hold the pin last – that’s what they say. That’s what you want,“ Maye said. ”I get the best view of the defense. You’re the one who has to know where everyone is at, what everyone is doing.

“It’ll be great for me to take the next step and take command of sending the guys up front where to go. I’m looking forward to it.”