New England Patriots
“I believe he performed the place otherwise than lots of people do, and the fellows round him rallied round him.”
Sunday was a homecoming of kinds for Patriots QB Drake Maye.
Regardless that the matchup was set in Foxborough, it concerned Maye and the Patriots taking over the QB’s hometown staff: the Carolina Panthers.
Maye — who grew up simply north of Charlotte in Huntersville, North Carolina — didn’t maintain again earlier this week when discussing his love for the Panthers and particularly their former franchise QB, Cam Newton.
“I went to the Tremendous Bowl once they misplaced to Peyton Manning, and that was robust,” Maye said. “However yeah, simply that season. I believe they had been 15-1. I used to be at that NFC Championship recreation at house, huge time win. Simply being a fan of Cam [Newton] was in all probability the most important reminiscence, him popping out right here, doing the airplane and hitting ‘The Cam.’”
“So, simply little issues like that, and attending to know him in a while and taking part in him. He coached the 7-on-7 staff and taking part in towards him and seeing stuff like that. So, simply attending to know a few of the gamers round has been fairly cool.”
Maye and the Patriots acquired the higher of the Panthers on Sunday through a 42-13 blowout at Gillette Stadium. However Maye nonetheless managed to discover a technique to pay tribute to Newton, who additionally performed one season in New England in 2020.
Together with throwing for 2 touchdowns within the win, Maye rushed in for a five-yard rating early within the second quarter — discovering the top zone off a bootleg to the left aspect of the sector.
As vast receiver Mack Hollins celebrated behind him, Maye mimicked Newton’s signature “Superman” celebration ultimately zone.
“Proper once I noticed these jerseys, it jogged my memory of Cam, simply the vitality he introduced,” Maye stated. “I don’t present a lot emotion on the market, in all probability want to indicate extra. Occasions once I do, yeah — it’s a enjoyable loving place.
“I believe he performed the place otherwise than lots of people do, and the fellows round him rallied round him. I had one other one late, I believe within the third or fourth, I had a security one-on-one. I do know Cam in all probability would have [taken] him on and tried to attain. Yeah, I acquired to satisfy him by way of the method. I’m an enormous fan. He was my favourite participant rising up, so fairly cool.”
Maye has continued to spark hope in New England as a possible franchise fixture at QB this season.
He was environment friendly on Sunday towards Carolina, finishing 14 of his 17 passes for 203 yards and three whole touchdowns. Extra importantly, each he and the remainder of New England’s offense wasn’t knocked for a turnover.
Whereas Maye believes that he nonetheless has lots to work on, he believes he’s beginning to get extra snug in Josh McDaniels’ system.
“I certain hope so. If it results in wins, that’s what I’m making an attempt to change into and the quarterback I’m making an attempt to change into,” Maye stated when requested if Sunday was what followers ought to anticipate from him transferring ahead.
“I attempt to do it type of simply my entire profession, type of unfold it round and provides it to the fellows that may make performs. I believe everyone’s acquired some likelihood on our staff, our ability guys to make the protection give them an issue.”
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