New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo strongly swatted down a recent report that team ownership has looked outside of the organization for help in developing quarterback Drake Maye.
Mayo has consistently pointed to offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt as the one spearheading Maye’s development under center. So the report that ownership potentially colored outside of the lines raised more than a few eyebrows.
“We continue to sit here and say he’s developing at a good trajectory. Can we all agree on that? So all of those reports are false,” Maye said, when appearing on “The Greg Hill Show.” “They’re all false. None of those reports are true. Once again, it’s almost like talking out of both sides of our mouths.
“We’re sitting here saying he’s developing great, and to sit here and the story comes out that people are asking around how to develop a quarterback. …When you hear one person, ‘Oh, Drake’s not developing.’ Another person, ‘Oh, Drake’s had great plays.’ Who do you think is responsible for that? It’s Alex Van Pelt.”
Maye has played like an Offensive Player of the Year-worthy quarterback. Even given the many limitations on offense, he has opened things up in ways the Patriots haven’t seen since Tom Brady was under center.
His incredible on-field play has negated one of the worst offensive lines in football and a lacking cast of wide receivers. Even Super Bowl-winning head coach Sean McVay was left impressed by Maye’s performance after the Los Angeles Rams’ 28-22 win over the Patriots in Week 11.
“He looks like a stud. …He looks like he’s gonna be a special player for a long time, and he gave us fits today,” said McVay.