Drake Maye, the young quarterback for the New England Patriots, has made a notable impact in the NFL this season. However, Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner has expressed reservations about Maye’s style of play, pointing out a tendency towards improvisation that resembles “backyard football.”
Warner’s Insights on Maye’s Performance
During an appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show,” Warner praised some aspects of Maye’s game while critiquing his reliance on improvisational skills. He noted, “We’re seeing some big-time plays and some good quarterback play.” Yet he cautioned that Maye’s approach might not be sustainable for long-term success.
Key Plays Highlighted
Warner referenced two significant plays from Maye’s performance in the recent win against the Buffalo Bills:
- A 32-yard completion to Stefon Diggs along the sideline in the third quarter.
- A crucial scramble and 12-yard completion to Diggs with just over two minutes remaining.
While acknowledging these were impressive moments, Warner argued that such plays should not become the foundation of a quarterback’s success.
Statistical Performance in Perspective
Despite the criticisms, Maye ranks among the top quarterbacks in several key statistics this season:
- Fifth in passing yards: 1,261 yards
- Fifth in yards per attempt: 8.2 yards
- Sixth in passer rating: 107.8
- Second in completion percentage: 73.9%
Additonally, according to advanced metrics, Maye is fifth in expected points added at 45.38, and Pro Football Focus rates him as the 10th-best quarterback among starters who have played at least three games.
Consistency is Key
Warner stressed the importance of maintaining a consistent playing style as a foundational skill for success in the NFL. He remarked, “To be a great quarterback in this league, you’ve got to be able to consistently live in the pocket.”
In terms of performance from the pocket, Maye’s numbers support Warner’s views. He boasts an 84.9% completion rate from within the pocket, ranked third among starting quarterbacks.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, Warner hopes to see more from Maye before considering him among the elite in the league. He stated, “I just wanna see some more consistency before I crown him.” To solidify his status, Maye will need to balance his improvisational talents with stronger pocket presence.
Fans will be eager to watch how Maye continues to develop, as he navigates the challenges of being a quarterback in the NFL.
