New England Patriots
“I all the time knew Drake was that man.”
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Kayshon Boutte didn’t mince phrases on Tuesday when requested for the catalyst behind his breakout season.
“Drake Maye,” he replied.
It’s arduous to argue with the numbers.
Maye’s emergence as a reliable MVP candidate this season has elevated New England’s total pass-catching corps — with Boutte thriving as his QB’s go-to deep menace.
Regardless of lacking a number of video games as a consequence of harm, Boutte nonetheless posted 551 receiving yards off simply 33 catches — scoring six touchdowns on the 12 months.
His 17 yards per catch was tied for third within the NFL this season.
That connection has additionally translated to the postseason. Whereas New England’s offense has labored at instances over three playoff video games (18.0 factors per recreation), Boutte has nonetheless moved the ball down the sphere.
The 23-year-old wideout leads all New England pass-catchers in receiving yards this postseason (147 on eight catches).
His lone landing during the last three video games was one of many best catches in franchise historical past — snagging a one-handed rating towards the Texans with All-Professional cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. in protection.
Boutte isn’t stunned that he was in a position to click on with Maye as his de-facto deep menace — nor was he shocked that Maye took a serious step ahead in his first full season as New England’s beginning QB.
“I all the time knew Drake was that man,” Boutte stated. “I all the time did imagine in him, imagine in what he might do. While you observe with a man every single day, you see his capacity, what he’s in a position to do, so I’ve all the time been a Drake Maye believer.”
Because the Patriots attempt to land punches towards Seattle’s stout protection on Sunday, Boutte will likely be counted on to check the Seahawks — particularly on contested catches down the sphere.
“It’s been nice all through the season,” Boutte stated of his reference to Maye. “We missed on a pair throws final week, however, I imply, it’s not all the time going to be good.
“That’s a part of the sport, we’re going through good defenses, totally different appears to be like for us. I imply, on the finish of the day, we’ve nonetheless acquired to determine it out. We’re each nonetheless younger. We’re each 23 years outdated. It’s an extended street forward of us.”
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