New England Patriots
“They’ve received a few shut video games, and that is actually modified their file.”
UNC head coach Invoice Belichick has largely remained mum this season in terms of speaking about his former crew within the Patriots — and particularly, Tar Heels alum Drake Maye.
However the future Corridor-of-Fame head coach did give New England’s QB some props this week whereas making an look on the “Let’s Go!” podcast with Jim Gray.
Particularly, Belichick highlighted the hazards that include the dreaded sophomore hunch for younger quarterbacks — and the way a crew on the rise might seemingly splinter in brief order.
On this train, Belichick pointed to how the Washington Commanders and QB Jayden Daniels have largely regressed this season — whereas Maye’s ascension as one of many league’s high younger quarterbacks has allowed New England to leap as much as a 7-2 file this season.
“I feel competitively, most everybody who’s been in robust competitors will let you know that it’s a bit bit simpler to get to the highest than simply keep on high,” Belichick stated. “Definitely, a corporation like Washington might see that this 12 months. They’d an awesome 12 months final 12 months. Issues fell proper for them. And this 12 months, everyone’s gunning for them. And it’s so much harder.
“Definitely, Drake Maye has had an impressive 12 months for the Patriots,” Belichick added. “They’ve received a few shut video games, and that’s actually modified their file. I’d say.”
Maye has put himself within the dialog for league MVP in his first full season as New England’s beginning QB — with DraftKings tabbing Maye with the third-best MVP odds (+425) behind solely Josh Allen (+180) and Patrick Mahomes (+350).
Even with an uneven efficiency on Sunday towards the Falcons, Maye remains to be finishing 74.1 % of his passes this season — throwing for two,285 yards (fifth in NFL) to associate with 17 touchdowns (T-Third) and simply 4 interceptions.
He has additionally rushed 270 yards and two touchdowns on the 12 months — averaging 4.6 yards per carry.
In fact, Maye and the Patriots would possibly have to heed Belichick’s warning for subsequent season in terms of groups being extra ready to account for Maye’s playmaking and a New England crew that has shocked many to date this season.
New England might want to each preserve its franchise QB wholesome and keep away from regression throughout a number of different areas of their depth chart shifting ahead — two keys that the Commanders have didn’t execute in what’s trying to be a misplaced 12 months for a franchise that made all of it the best way to the NFC Championship Recreation final season.
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