Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne makes bold Drake Maye offseason prediction

Kendrick Bourne believes Drake Maye will attract future free agents

New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne sees a light at the end of the tunnel with Drake Maye, following Sunday’s 34-15 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

He believes the rookie quarterback will be a major attraction for free agents in the 2025 offseason.

Maye still managed to have a decent performance in an overall poor offensive showing for the Patriots at Miami. He went 22-of-37 passing for 222 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

However, that game was only a footnote of what has been a strong season for the rookie quarterback up to this point.

His teammates have noticed his play, including Bourne, who believes the quarterback’s performance could bode well for the team’s future.

“He’s putting the league on notice,” said Bourne, via NBC Sports Boston’s Phil A. Perry

The Patriots will have a prime opportunity to make a splash in free agency. They now have their franchise quarterback and the most projected cap space in the NFL for the 2025 season with over $139 million.

The front office is in a great spot to make moves and put the team in a much better position for the future.

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Mike McDaniel even more impressed by Patriots QB Drake Maye up close

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel tipped his cap to Drake Maye on Sunday

Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel had nothing but good things to say about New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, after handing the Patriots a 34-15 loss on Sunday.

Miami’s defense kept the Patriots offense at bay throughout the game with four sacks and eight quarterback hits. Maye’s only touchdown came in the fourth quarter on a 38-yard touchdown strike to tight end Austin Hooper.

McDaniel appears to be a fan of Maye as a player. He praised the rookie earlier in the week, but he took things a step further after seeing him on the field up close.

“He had ownership of the game, even a little bit more than what had shown on tape,” McDaniel told reporters after the game. “…I think when you’re able to be a pocket passer, but then extend plays and make teams pay when you’re in man coverage or 2-man, it’s a problem.

“He’ll continue to make plays as he gets better and better in the pocket. It’s a guy that honestly, I’m not really rooting for his development, being in the division. But I can appreciate the player, and they have a very good player to work with at that position. So we’ll continue to have to be on our stuff.”

The North Carolina product has been a bright spot in a difficult season for New England. As he continues to develop, he has received recognition from opposing players and coaches alike.

It’ll be fun watching more McDaniel-Maye chess matches throughout the course of their careers in the AFC East.

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Drake Maye reacts to Patriots getting ‘butts whooped’ by Dolphins

Drake Maye isn’t taking Sunday’s blowout loss to the Dolphins lightly

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye did not mince words about the team’s 34-15 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

It was a day where the team struggled on both sides of the ball. The rookie was one of the better performers on the afternoon, as he went 22-of-37 passing for 222 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

The touchdown came on a 38-yard pass to tight end Austin Hooper off an incredible scramble play by Maye. It was a commendable late rally attempt for the offense, but it was too little, too late for New England.

Maye summed up his thoughts when speaking to reporters after the game.

“It’s tough anytime you’re losing,” said Maye. “…I hate losing. I really like to win. So losing sucks. I told some of the guys just remember this feeling. We were getting our butts whooped today, and I think it’s only up from here. We got a bright future and bright players in there that can make some plays for the Patriots.”

Few expected the Patriots to be contenders right out of the gates, but there was hope that the team would be more competitive in games. The Patriots didn’t just lose on Sunday.

They got blown out.

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WATCH: Drake Maye takes top off Dolphins defense with touchdown pass

Drake Maye took the top off the defense

The New England Patriots had trouble getting things going offensively against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

However, they found some life in the third quarter, courtesy of an incredible throw from Drake Maye. The rookie quarterback rolled out of the pocket and found tight end Austin Hooper deep down the field for the Patriots’ first touchdown of the game.

The 38-yard touchdown ended a drive that took eight plays, 70 yards and 2:54 off the clock. It was Maye’s 10th touchdown pass of the season and Hooper’s second touchdown reception.

The touchdown throw showcased Maye’s ability to extend a play, as he was able to avoid the Dolphins’ rush and throw the ball on the run.

The Patriots struggled on both sides of the ball on Sunday afternoon. Nevertheless, the Maye-Hooper connection was a bright spot on a difficult day overall.

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Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel’s honest thoughts on Patriots QB Drake Maye

How Mike McDaniel views Drake Maye so far…

Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel was complimentary of New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, as both parties get set to face off on Sunday.

Maye has been taking the NFL by storm. Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford recently called him a “hell of a talent,” and Rams coach Sean McVay called him “special.”

It seems as though each Patriots opponent has something complimentary to say about the quarterback. McDaniel was no exception, when speaking with reporters this week.

“It’s always impressive when rookie quarterbacks make plays in the NFL level,” said McDaniel. “Just because there’s a lot coming at them. They just learned the foreign language a handful of months ago and are doing it in live action with guys that are trying to inflict pain on you. I think it’s a credit to him and his preparation and the coaching staff as well.”

The Dolphins’ organization has recent experience with young franchise quarterbacks.

Tua Tagovalioa was a key centerpiece for the Dolphins’ rebuild in 2020. He has been bitten by the injury bug throughout his career, but he has shown he can play at a high level.

Maye has been impressive throughout game action for the Patriots so far this season. He is steadily progressing week-to-week for an offensive unit still trying to find its footing.

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NFL Hall of Fame QB fired up about Patriots rookie Drake Maye

Kurt Warner is loving what he’s seeing from Drake Maye

NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner was fired up about New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye’s Week 11 performance against the Los Angeles Rams.

The rookie went 30-of-40 on the afternoon, throwing for 282 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. His 75 percent completion percentage was his highest of the season. The 282 passing yards were also a career-high for him to this point.

Overall, it was a solid day for the 22-year-old quarterback, despite the loss and game-ending interception. Warner liked what he saw as the Patriots battled it out against his former team.

“The game that #DrakeMaye played today was the 3rd best rookie QB performance I have seen all year (the other 2 were by #JaydenDaniels)!!!” Warner posted on the X platform. “Saw the field, made the throws, anticipated, threw it away when needed to & made some off schedule plays when nothing was there!! #Impressive

Maye’s growth has been evident considering he keeps getting better every outing. His ability to keep plays alive in addition to his quick decision-making is helping generate offense. His running ability, in particular, has been an asset for the team behind a struggling offensive line.

The Patriots still need to do right by him by surrounding him with the necessary talent to compete. Regardless, the early returns have been solid, and he is helping the offense find its groove.

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Drake Maye earns praise after Week 11 game

Drake Maye was recognized as one of the NFL’s top rookies in Week 11.

Since New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo switched to former UNC standout Drake Maye as his starting quarterback, one of the NFL’s worst offensive units now suddenly has life.

Maye has a touchdown pass in each of his five starts, including a career-high three in his first start against the Houston Texans. Taking Maye’s stats a step further, Maye has multiple touchdown passes in three of those starts.

Maye is fresh off his highest passing yardage total, with 282 in a 28-22 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 14. He completed 29-of-39 passes, tossed two touchdowns and ran for 27 yards.

For Maye’s latest outing, he was tabbed one of NFL Analyst/former Good Morning Football host Peter Schrager’s Top 5 Week 11 rookies.

Maye, ranked third amongst Schrager’s rookies, found himself on the list with Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (second), Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey, Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight and Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix.

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After New England suffered below-average quarterback play from initial starter Jacoby Brissett, Mayo decided the team needed a spark. That’s why he went to Maye, the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, whom the Patriots invested heavily in to be their franchise guy.

Overall through seven appearances, Maye has 1,236 passing yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions. Maye is also showcasing his speed for the Patriots, collecting 260 rushing yards and a rushing touchdowns, on 28 carries.

What makes Maye’s rookie year even more impressive is that he’s playing behind a struggling offensive line. Maye also lacks a true number one wide receiver, like he had at North Carolina, with the likes of Josh Downs and Devontez Walker.

I was hopeful Maye would be the latest Tar Heel to thrive in the NFL, but I didn’t think it’d be this early in his rookie season. I’m excited to watch how Maye’s career pans out.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

Hunter Henry sees strong QB comparison for Patriots rookie Drake Maye

Hunter Henry sees strong similarities between Drake Maye and Justin Herbert

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry sees similarities between quarterback Drake Maye and his former teammate, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.

Henry has seen both quarterbacks up close, which means he’s one of the few qualified to make such a comparison. With that said, others made the same comparisons when Maye was coming out of college. The 22-year-old rookie has the athleticism and arm strength to back it up.

Herbert, a former Pro Bowler and AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, is certainly not a bad comparison for a rookie in the league.

“There’s a lot of similarities,” said Henry, when asked about the Herbert and Maye comparisons.

Time will tell how Maye’s career pans out. Nevertheless, those words from a respected veteran like Henry certainly carry a lot of weight. At the very least, it means that the quarterback looks to be on a solid path to success.

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Former NFL QB makes bold claim on Drake Maye as Rookie of the Year

Dan Orlovsky makes a great point….

ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky believes New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye should be in the running for Offensive Rookie of the Year, if the award was based on play alone.

The North Carolina product stood out once again in last week’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. He recorded 282 passing yards and two touchdowns on the day. It was only his sixth NFL start in a season where he has compiled 1,236 passing yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions.

The 22-year-old signal-caller certainly stands out in a rookie class that is talented at the quarterback position.

“He won’t win it because his team isn’t good enough. But just talking about the play—-Drake Maye would absolutely be right in the OROY conversation,” Orlovsky posted on the X platform.

Maye’s development has taken a major step forward since the start of the season. He has been one of the few constants on an offensive unit in flux right now.

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Former Super Bowl-winning coach calls Drake Maye ‘superstar’ in the making

Jon Gruden is completely sold on Drake Maye in the NFL

Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden had high praise for New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye.

Gruden, who now works at Barstool Sports, is famous for his quarterback evaluations. His “Gruden’s QB Camp” television series was a must-watch for football junkies everywhere.

He has seen his fair share of talented quarterbacks over the years, and he boldly endorsed Maye during a segment with Barstool.

“Drake Maye is going to be a superstar. Drake Maye is going to be everything you’re looking for. Five-star—badass. He’s a horse, man,” said Gruden.

Maye has been receiving praise from several figures around the league. From Patriots legends to his teammates, the buzz is alive and well for the third overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft.

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