Head coach Mayo and defensive coordinator Covington leaned into a heavy man-coverage scheme common during the days of former head coach Bill Belichick. Although the Pats were beaten 24-21 by AFC East rivals the Buffalo Bills, their coverages gave quarterback Josh Allen, a potential NFL MVP, a ton of problems.

As Patriots.com Senior Reporter Evan Lazar detailed, “The #Patriots defense played 21-of-34 drop-backs in man coverage vs. Josh Allen on Sunday. Allen’s stats vs. man: 7-18, 57 yards, TD, INT, 43.1 passer rating. A vintage man coverage plan from New England’s defense.”

Those numbers were a tribute to a secondary that “played an outstanding game at Buffalo,” according to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald. He detailed how “NE called man coverage on more than 60% of passing snaps, and the CBs allowed 1 catch in man-to-man. Shutdown efforts from Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones and Alex Austin. Throw S/LB Marte Mapu in there, too.”

This felt like a Patriots defense of old. One where the scheme fit the strengths of the players and was designed to force the opposition’s biggest threats out of their respective comfort zones.

Patriots Played to Strengths to Improve Defense

The strength of this Patriots defense is on the back end where cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Jonathan Jones reside. Both were outstanding at Highmark Stadium, but veteran Jones merited special praise.

He caught the eye playing in the slot and putting the clamps on Khalil Shakir. The latter has been Allen’s go-to target for much of this season, but he got little change out of Jones.

All too often, No. 31 was able to “Undercut crossers, which Josh Allen said the Bills will try finding an answer to in Week 18, avoided collisions and had a couple of vintage Jon Jones moments, including a deep PBU and a perfect Peanut punch,” per Taylor Kyles of Patriots on CLNS.

Kyles’ reference to taking away the crossers the Bills like speaks to the Belichickean nature of this defensive scheme. Belichick was always about taking away an opponent’s key weapons and core concepts.

Against the Bills that extended to limiting Allen’s threat as a runner. He’s devastating on designed QB runs, but Mayo and Covington were prepared for Allen, thanks to special teams standout Brenden Schooler.

The safety has played linebacker and successfully spied mobile quarterbacks this season. It’s “one of the best wrinkles Jerod Mayo’s staff has used,” according to Chad Graff of The Athletic.

Schooler helped hold Allen to 30 yards on the ground, with the dual-threat playmaker’s longest run covering 12 yards. Jones and Schooler took away what the Bills like to do, but they got some help.

Notably, from Gonzalez making his own side of the field a no-go area for Allen and Bills receivers. As Carlos Talks Pats aptly put it, “Buffalo knew better” than to target arguably the best young cover man in football.

Letting their best players play allowed the Patriots to return to their roots defensively. It also meant scheming to compensate for a struggling front missing talisman defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who is dealing with recurring symptoms from blood clots.

The front seven has also missed middle linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, a throwback secret star, who landed on injured reserve after Week 2. Bentley and Barmore’s absences showed at key times against the Bills.

Patriots Defense Still Weak in Key Areas

Most of the key lapses came against the run. The Bills rushed for 172 yards on 28 carries, including a 46-yard touchdown by James Cook.

It wasn’t just a lack of physical power in the trenches that left the Patriots vulnerable on the ground. Communication issues pre-snap were also highlighted by ESPN’s Mike Reiss.

Getting the essential basics right before the ball is snapped is something the Patriots almost always did on Belichick’s watch. Things haven’t been the same with Mayo and Covington at the helm.

Poor gap control, cutback discipline and pursuit angles are why the Pats yield 4.5 yards per carry. Compared to last season’s tally of a league-low 3.3 yards per rush.

Those numbers sum up the sudden decline of a unit that was supposed to be the strength of this team. Yet there are still signs Mayo and Covington can restore pride on the defensive side of the ball.

Their back-to-basics scheme in Buffalo, allied with clever use of certain personnel, is the formula for a prolonged revival.

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The third-overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft executed more than one designed QB run against the Buffalo Bills in Week 16. Unfortunately, the adjustment to the playbook yielded little in return during a 24-21 defeat.

Maye ran six times for 30 yards at Highmark Stadium, turning three of those runs into first downs. The numbers look decent on the surface, but the rookie signal-caller conceded he “scrambled a little bit too early sometimes tonight,” per Alex Barth of 98.5 The Sports Hub.

Although Maye might have been a little too eager to trust his legs to salvage broken plays, the designed QB runs were more significant. At least in terms of their inclusion in the playbook.

Making Maye’s rushing skills intentional showed under-fire head coach Jerod Mayo and OC Van Pelt listened to criticism following Week 15’s 30-17 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals.

Patriots Took Drake Maye Criticism on Board

Proof the Patriots were listening to the negative noise about their usage of Maye came from Mayo. He told reporters after the game in Buffalo, including the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed, the staff included more designed QB runs because “We thought that was best for the football team.”

Even though those comments read like classic coach-speak, they do show a willingness to adapt. Specifically, how the Patriots are prepared to adjust their game-plans to take full advantage of Maye’s athleticism.

Mayo and Van Pelt haven’t always let the dual-threat playmaker off the leash in clutch moments. So it’s a positive sign for Maye’s development his coaches made changes ahead of facing the Bills. That might be one reason the rookie launched a passionate defence of his coach and play-caller after the game.

What’s not so positive is how those changes largely fell flat. Significantly, individual mistakes were more of a problem than Van Pelt’s concepts.

Drake Maye Adjustment Didn’t Work for Patriots

One such mistake was highlighted by MassLive.com’s Mark Daniels. He described how “in the second quarter, on first-and-goal, the first designed run play was called. Maye didn’t gain any yards and Hunter Henry was flagged for holding.”

Another gaffe involved poor execution by Maye, who “admitted post game he should have cut up” toward the end zone, according to Brian Hines of SB Nation’s Pats Pulpit.

There were a few more slips, with Maye pointing to the surface as a problem, per Daniels: “One of the goal lines should cut it up. It was slick out there. Couldn’t really feel my feet. It was a chance for us to pick up first downs. Had a big one at the end there around the edge. Other than that, I think there’s a time for it.”

Maye is prepared to stay mobile, but the Patriots QB-run schemes need to refined before he moves again.

Bills Can Be Template for Drake Maye, Patriots

Facing the Bills provided the Patriots with a good template for how to deploy Maye for a number of reasons. First, his opposite number, Buffalo QB1 Josh Allen is another big-bodied multi-purpose athlete who is a good comparison for Maye.

Allen bosses defenses largely because of his mobility. He’s deadly when expanding the pocket and throwing on the move, but the 6-foot-5, 237-pounder also devastates opponents on designed runs.

Maye showed off some of the same traits in Week 16. Including this improbable, Allen-like completion to wide receiver Kayshon Boutte after Maye had fled the pocket.

Just like Allen, Maye also knows he’s a physical mismatch for many defenders in the running game. He explained as much to Daniels: “I’m a big 6′5 dude who can pick up a yard and beat somebody with some speed. I think people underestimate me a little bit. I think it helps us offensively to move the chains. At this point, we need some help whether it’s short yardage or different areas like in the red zone for me to go make a play.”

The Patriots have the blueprint for helping Maye reach his full potential. It comes from one of their AFC East rivals and must feature a more efficient designed QB run game.

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Maye offered his backing for Jerod Mayo and Alex Van Pelt after the Patriots were beaten 24-21 by the Buffalo Bills in Week 16. The third-overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft spoke with reporters followng the game at Highmark Stadium on Sunday, December 22, and he was asked about a week’s worth of noise about the Patriots staff.

It took just five words for Maye to shut the question down. He declared, “I think it’s some BS,” before adding “I’m proud to be a Patriot,” per MassLive.com’s Chris Mason.

Maye went even further to show his support for first-year head coach Mayo. New England’s QB1 told the press, “We’ve got his back. I think we’re building something good. I think we’re building something right here,” per Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald.

Those words may sound strange to some after the Patriots lost a 12th game this season. Yet Maye is not the only prominent member of the roster who still believes in Mayo.

Jerod Mayo Still Has Faith of Patriots

Maye’s faith is a major boost for the Mayo regime. It’s a timely show of support, having been delivered on the same day NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported “The Krafts want to keep Jerod Mayo. They believe he is the leader for the future, and they knew it would be a multi-year process to get this thing right.”

Having the support of Patriots owner Robert Kraft and team president Jonathan Kraft is obviously vital for Mayo. The latter had been taking heat for a myriad of perceived shortcomings.

Mayo’s issues included mixed messages to the media, interpreted by some as criticism of key assistant Van Pelt. The play-caller took the high road, but Mayo’s erratic way of handling the press has only increased the noise about his position.

What the 38-year-old needs is to maintain the confidence of the experienced players in the locker room. That’s why it’s significant Mason’s colleague Mark Daniels captioned Rapoport’s post and included his own note explaining “Mayo hasn’t lost the locker room and I don’t see it happening in these final weeks. Veteran players I’ve talked to like their coach and don’t view him as the problem.”

Those reports surfaced before the game in Buffalo, but it still appeared obvious veterans believe in Mayo, even after the Pats fell short on the road. At least based on the words of their leading receiver.

Tight end Hunter Henry spoke up for both Mayo and Van Pelt, telling Callahan, “I love playing for Jerod, I love playing for AVP.”

Henry should be enjoying his time in this offense. He’s become the unit’s go-to pass-catcher, reeling in 66 receptions for 674 yards and two touchdowns, including one against the Bills.

Those numbers are a reflection of the positive impact Maye is having on the Patriots receivers.

Drake Gave Patriots More Reasons for Optimism vs. Bills

Mayo can change the perception of his job performance by overseeing the successful development of Maye. The 22-year-old has the raw physical tools to become the franchise QB1 the Patriots have lacked since Tom Brady left town in 2020.

Maye was guilty of a few mistakes against the Bills, but he also made some improbable big plays. Particularly this precise touchdown strike thrown to wide receiver Kayshon Boutte.

Throws like this are why Mayo and general manager Eliot Wolf made Maye the first pick of their tenure. They are also why Maye entered the game drawing favorable comparisons to Bills Pro-Bowl passer Josh Allen.

Surrounding the precocious signal-caller with right the coaching and talent has been tricky, but Maye is already making his receivers better. The next step is for Mayo and his staff to build an expansive offense more complementary to Maye’s skills.

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Allen, who has been a thorn in the Patriots’ sides for years, believes Maye’s “going to be really good for a really long time. He’s making some unbelievable plays, extending and from the pocket. I’ve got a lot of respect for his game,” per The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin.

Maye will get the chance to justify Allen’s assessment when the Bills host the Pats at Highmark Stadium in Week 16. The game on Sunday, December 22 has playoff implications for Buffalo, but the Patriots will be playing for more than just pride.

They’ll be using the contest as a barometer for how Maye compares to Allen. The latter has turned the Bills into contenders the same way Maye is expected to turn the Patriots around.

Josh Allen a Good Benchmark for Drake Maye

This isn’t the first time a comparison can be drawn between Allen and Maye. It’s an apt comparison because both are physically imposing signal-callers who can beat up defenses on the ground and through the air.

Comparisons between the two were being made before the draft, but not everybody was convinced. Former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was the most famous doubter, with the six-time Super Bowl winner reminding everyone Allen is a “pretty special player.”

Belichick was right to sound a note of caution based on his own head-aches trying to stop Allen. The latter is 6-5 against the Patriots in the regular season, according to StatMuse, but Allen also owns a 47-17 playoff victory over New England from the 2021 campaign.

To his credit, Maye knows he’s not at Allen’s level yet. The 22-year-old admitted as much to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald: “I think I’ve got a long way to go to get anywhere close to playing like that.”

Despite Maye’s sense of perspective and Belichick’s caution, one current member of the Patriots roster is convinced Maye is better than Allen was as a rookie in 2018.

That’s a bold statement, but Volin’s colleague Conor Roche detailed for the Globe how Maye’s “simply put up better passing numbers as a rookie than Allen did. He’s completed 68.5 percent of his passes for 1,898 yards (6.8 yards per attempt), 12 touchdowns, and nine interceptions with an 88.4 passer rating in 10 games (nine starts).”

That all sounds good, but one interesting note from Roche shows a subtle, but key difference between Maye and Allen. A difference Patriots fans may not appreciate.

Patriots Not Letting Drake Maye Cook

As Roche pointed out, “Maye has been more conservative in pushing the ball down the field than Allen. He has a 7.3 ADOT, which is one of the lower ADOTs among the quarterbacks who’ve started the majority of their team’s games. Only 8.2 percent of his attempts have gone over 20 yards in the air and 18.3 percent of his passes went an intermediate distance, which also both rank toward the bottom among quarterbacks who have started the majority of their team’s games this season.”

The lack of vertical strikes can be attributed, in part, to a conservative offense called by coordinator Alex Van Pelt. He’s been fending off criticism from multiple sources, including head coach Jerod Mayo, but Van Pelt has the support of Maye.

That’s important because the Patriots need Maye to have a rapport with the coach most closely aligned with his development. Van Pelt has that vital role, and he sees “similar qualities” between Maye and Allen, per CLNS Media’s Mike Kadlick.

Helping Maye reach Allen’s status will require Van Pelt eventually loosening the reins. He’ll need to let the first-year passer give full vent to his arm talent and knack for making plays off script.

Those traits can help Maye overcome a mediocre supporting cast at wide receiver and still post the numbers needed to set himself up for an Allen-esque career.

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Barmore’s Season Cut Short

Barmore, who was diagnosed with blood clots during training camp, received treatment at Massachusetts General Brigham Hospital. The condition forced him to miss the first half of the season, a significant blow to a player who was expected to be a cornerstone of the Patriots’ defense. After returning to action on November 17, 2024, Barmore appeared in just four games, logging 123 total snaps. Despite his efforts to rejoin the team, the recurrence of symptoms has now sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

The 2024 campaign was expected to be a breakout year for Barmore, who had shown flashes of dominance during his first two seasons with the Patriots. His ability to disrupt offensive lines and pressure quarterbacks made him a critical piece of New England’s defensive front. Losing him again underscores the unpredictable challenges posed by medical conditions, particularly one as serious as blood clots.

Patriots’ Depth at Defensive Line

With Barmore sidelined, the Patriots will need to rely on their depth along the defensive line to fill the gap. Key players who are expected to step up include:

Davon Godchaux: The veteran nose tackle has been a consistent presence on the interior line and will likely shoulder more responsibility in Barmore’s absence, particularly in stopping the run.

Keion White: The rookie has shown promise and may see increased snaps as the team looks to rotate younger players into more prominent roles. White’s raw athleticism could help mitigate the loss of Barmore’s interior pass-rush capabilities.

The Patriots’ defense will undoubtedly feel the absence of Barmore’s playmaking ability, but the team has historically thrived on adaptability and a next-man-up mentality. 

A Foundational Piece for the Future

Barmore was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the vision of anchoring the Patriots’ defensive line for years to come. His blend of size, power, and athleticism has made him one of the league’s most promising interior linemen. While this setback is undoubtedly difficult for both the player and the organization, the Patriots have demonstrated their long-term commitment to Barmore by prioritizing his health and recovery over immediate contributions.

Fans and teammates alike have rallied behind Barmore during this challenging time, offering their support and encouragement. His dedication to overcoming adversity is evident, and his eventual return to the field will be a welcome boost for the team. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that he receives the care and rest needed to fully recover.

The Patriots’ season continues without one of their most talented defenders, but the organization remains hopeful for Barmore’s future. The Patriots will be back in action on Sunday in Buffalo as they take on the division leading Bills. 

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Van Pelt was asked about Boutte’s critique following Week 15’s 30-17 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals. The OC told reporters on Thursday, December 19, “This is the best part of receiver play. It’s not changed since I’ve played. When Andre Reed didn’t get enough catches, he’d be upset and I’d understand that. It’s the competitive nature of these guys,” per MassLive.com’s Karen Guregian.

The reference to Andre Reed goes back to Van Pelt’s days as a quarterback for New England’s AFC East rivals the Buffalo Bills. Reed earned seven Pro Bowl berths and went to four Super Bowls during 16 seasons in Buffalo.

Boutte is not in Reed’s bracket, nor is he ever likely to reach that status. Yet the second-year pro is receiving good coaching based on Van Pelt’s surprising and smart response to his criticism.

Kayshon Boutte’s Getting the Right Advice

Boutte was openly critical of the Pats apparent reluctance to attack man coverage early on at State Farm Stadium. Although he later made an apology, per Evan Lazar of Patriots.com, Boutte has been encouraged by Van Pelt to keep talking.

As Van Pelt explained, via Guregian, “We had a really good conversation on Monday. I just reiterated to him, if there’s something you see during the game, we can always talk about it. Communication. You can come to me during the game. Don’t wait. Let’s try and find solutions during the course of the game. But it was a real positive conversation with him. I’m excited to see him make plays for us this week.”

This was excellent advice from Van Pelt. It is better for Boutte to alert his coaches to what he’s seeing during in-game situations, when those observations have the most value.

Doing so will not only help Boutte mature as a player, but also assist Van Pelt to tailor his play calls to the specific talents of his players. Boutte, or any other player, is more likely to stay focused if his study is rewarded by a play-caller who’s willing to adjust.

Van Pelt’s words also formed another wisely diplomatic response from somebody who has been the focus of perceived criticism all week, even from his head coach.

Alex Van Pelt is Busy Deflecting Criticism

It’s been a busy week towing the party line and swatting away negative press for Van Pelt. Aside from Boutte, head coach Jerod Mayo appeared to call out his OC for not letting rookie quarterback Drake Maye run in clutch short-yardage situations against the Cardinals.

Like Boutte, Mayo attempted to walk back his initial perceived criticism. Despite his efforts, Mayo’s words were still taken as a rebuttal of Van Pelt’s performance.

To his credit, Van Pelt has continued to show support for Mayo, who is also under so-small amount of pressure after just three wins from his first 14 games in the top job. Van Pelt dismissed Mayo’s comments as having “been taken out of context,” and also confirmed “I have Jerod’s back at all costs. We have a great relationship,” per Sophie Weller of AtoZ Sports.

This response is another to the credit of Van Pelt. He’s handled a tough few days with authority and professionalism.

The next task is to improve a unit ranked 31st in points and 30th in yards, according to Pro Football Reference. If he can manage it, a beleaguered assistant coach will build a lot of goodwill for the future.

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Maye, the first draft pick of the Mayo era, offered support to his boss when speaking to reporters, including WEEI’s Tom Carroll. The third-overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft fielded questions about Mayo’s job security and responded by stating, “We trust the plan he’s got for us, and we trust what he says in the team meeting room, and all his little sayings that he has. We believe in it, and we’re bought into it. I just think the results are coming. I think they’re coming. Everybody wishes they were now, and I think we’re kind of striving for that, but sometimes it doesn’t work out that way. But we’re coming, and the winning is coming in the near future.”

Pressure on Mayo is inevitable for a couple of reasons. Primarily because he’s won just three games and seems to be struggling with mixed messaging in public.

Keeping Maye on-side and ensuring the 22-year-old develops into the franchise passer the Patriots need can change the narrative for Mayo.

Jerod Mayo’s Future Remains in Doubt

There are growing doubts about Mayo’s ability to handle the top job. He already had a tough act to follow as the hand-picked successor to six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Belichick.

Replicating Belichick’s achievements is always going to be a tall order, but Mayo also needed to rebuild a team that finished 4-13 last season. The deck was stacked, but the 38-year-old former inside linebackers coach has still erred on several occasions during his maiden campaign in charge.

Mayo’s called out individual players publicly more than once. He’s also seemed at odds with the play calling from offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.

Although Mayo’s expertise is on the other side of the ball, the former Pats middle linebacker is helping oversee a unit ranked 23rd in points and 21st in yards, per Pro Football Reference.

The Patriots were already struggling entering 2024, but they appear to have regressed in every area on Mayo’s watch. Yet despite the problems, owner Robert Kraft “has told people privately he is sticking with Mayo,” according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic.

Mayo downplayed the report, but as the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed reported, the coach did confirm he’s had “multiple conversations on a daily basis with ownership, and they’ve always been supportive.”

That’s an emphatic response, but it hasn’t stopped speculation about possible replacements for Mayo. One obvious candidate is another former Patriots Super Bowl-winning linebacker, Mike Vrabel.

The ex-Tennessee Titans boss “would be interested in coaching for the New England Patriots. I think that he looks at the Patriots despite the warts that they’ve shown and says, ‘I’d go back there,'” NBCS Boston’s Tom E. Curran said on an episode of the “Arbella Early Edition” (h/t NBC Boston’s Darren Hartwell).

A key to Mayo staying in the job will be having and maintaining the backing of key players, starting with Maye.

Drake Maye’s Backing Vital for Struggling Patriots Head Coach

The chances of the Patriots returning to winning ways hinge on Maye’s progress. He sounds like he believes his progress can best be served by Mayo and his staff.

That includes Van Pelt, who also received support from his QB1. Maye credited Van Pelt for “what he’s done for my development and just a quarterback-friendly offensive coordinator,” per Taylor Kyles of Patriots on CLNS.

The quality of the coaching Maye receives during his first few seasons will define how quickly he can become one of the league’s best at his position. He’ll also need the support of a complementary and unified roster.

Fortunately, veteran players like defensive tackle Deatrich Wise Jr. applauds Mayo for “coaching guys while critiquing them and motivating them at the same time.” Wise also expects what Mayo “is doing, I think, will work out in the future,” per Carroll.

If the Patriots can stay together as coaches and players through tough times, there’s a better chance of things improving in Mayo’s second year. Particularly if key figures like Maye keep the faith.

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Mayo made the controversial and bizarre remarks after the Pats were beaten 30-17 by the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15. They were perceived as a possible critique of Van Pelt’s play-calling, specifically, the decision not to let rookie quarterback Drake Maye run on 3rd and 4th-and-1 at the Cardinals’ four-yard line late in the third quarter.

It was an uncomfortable exchange, and Mayo sought to clarify his comments, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss. He quoted the coach saying, “I didn’t mean anything by that. It was more of a defensive response. I tried to clarify that with the follow-up question [Sunday], because ultimately all those decisions are mine. … I didn’t want to go down that whole rabbit hole trying to explain all those things.”

Reiss also noted how Mayo admitted “in his weekly radio interview on sports radio WEEI that he ‘shouldn’t have done that. Just like I tell the players, I’m still learning how those things work.'”

Learning on the job is natural for a first-year head coach, but inexperience only partly excuses Mayo’s latest gaffe. His performance in front of the media has caused consternation more than once this season, representing a change in how the Patriots portray team affairs to the public.

Jerod Mayo Appeared to Blame Alex Van Pelt

He might not have meant it, but Mayo’s ham-fisted answers to questions about play calling in Arizona did Van Pelt few favors. Reiss provided a transcript of the post-game confusion, showing Mayo’s initial response when asked if the Patriots ought to have let Maye run, “You said it. I didn’t.”

That blunt retort made it sound as though Mayo would’ve called a Maye run, but Van Pelt opted against using the concept. Coach and coordinator not being on the same page is never a good thing, but it would be particularly damaging for a rebuilding team pinning its hopes for a recovery on a gifted, but raw quarterback.

Maye’s development needs to be carefully managed via a coherent strategy. It doesn’t sound as though this regime has one of those, but Mayo at least tried to present a united front: “We’re all on the same page. I think Alex and the offensive staff do a good job putting together the game-plan. I go in there and offer my two cents and we come out of the room as a unit — all on the same page.”

That’s a decent party line, but not everybody is convinced the Patriots are a united front with a head coach in firm control.

Image of Patriots is Changing

For years, the Patriots presented themselves as the model of an efficient professional sports franchise. That efficiency came from Mayo’s predecessor Bill Belichick, who kept his comments to the press brief and clipped, rarely giving anything away, but always putting the focus on winning the next game.

Mayo has not demonstrated similar focus. Especially when he appeared jovial during his weekly appearance on “The Greg Hill Show” for WEEI a day after losing to the Cards.

Mayo’s light-hearted manner and attitude were described by Dakota Randall as “a perfect encapsulation of the cultural u-turn in Foxboro — for better or worse.”

Captioning Randall’s post, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald highlighted the difference between Mayo and Belichick: “Maybe it’s because we’re preconditioned to treat every loss as a catastrophe because of how Bill Belichick acted for 24 years, but it is a little jarring to see a Patriots head coach laughing, smiling and joking the Monday morning following a loss. And it does explain the change in how players react in the locker room following losses given the change in vibe or culture or whatever you want to call it.”

There was a ruthless commitment to winning under Belichick, and the Patriots were made to feel uncomfortable when they didn’t deliver. The same pressure appears to be absent, despite Mayo’s willingness to assign blame publicly. He’s not been shy about calling out his own team, something Belichick has questioned.

A growing sense of dysfunction is perhaps inevitable after Mayo took the giant step up from inside linebackers coach to the top job. His task was also made harder by the wreckage of Belichick’s final years at the helm, including last season’s 4-13 finish.

Those factors might earn Mayo a free pass, but the more he errs in front of the cameras, the more the 38-year-old risks appearing out of his depth.

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The second-year wide receiver was critical of the way a “shy” offense failed to attack man coverage during the 30-17 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15. Boutte explained, “We knew they was gonna play man the whole game. But I feel like it’s disrespectful when they go man first quarter, you know? So I feel like we need to be better at attacking that instead of being shy about it,” per Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald.

Knowing what was coming gave the Pats an advantage, but they weren’t brave enough to exploit what they’d seen on film. The hesitation to target one-on-one matchups in the passing game is all the more confusing when rookie quarterback Drake Maye has been showcasing his elite arm strength and natural willingness to take chances.

Playing it safe raises further questions about the effectiveness of offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. He is already under scrutiny thanks to head coach Jerod Mayo’s bizarre answers about why the Patriots didn’t keep the ball in Maye’s hands in key moments.

Patriots Not Taking Enough Chances on Offense

It’s not just a matter of being aggressive conceptually. As ESPN’s Mike Reiss pointed out, Boutte would also “have liked to have seen the offense attack more early in the game — with a similar tempo they used in the fourth quarter.”

“Tempo” is the key word here. It relates to the Patriots upping the pace, getting lined up quicker and increasing their snap counts.

The problem is Van Pelt only let Maye go no-huddle once the game was out of sight. That’s why the third-overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft led a pair of touchdown drives in garbage time.

Yet although the Patriots worked over a Cardinals defense playing softer, prevent-style coverages, Maye still proved he needs to be trusted more in clutch situations. Turning their QB1 loose is how Van Pelt and Mayo can expand the offense.

It’s also why play calling isn’t the only issue. Maye also needs receivers like Boutte to improve their technique and productivity.

Kayshon Boutte Needs to Step Up

Maye’s core athleticism will only take the Pats so far. He has to have better support from his primary pass-catchers.

Boutte has emerged as one of those amid the struggles of this year’s second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk and fellow rookie wideout Javon Baker. Maye has looked to Boutte for deep strikes and connections over the middle.

An attempt at the latter led to a key interception for the Cardinals. It happened when a low throw from Maye bounced off Boutte’s hands and into the grateful mitts of Arizona’s veteran cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting.

Boutte explained “I know it’s a play I’ve got to make but it’s kind of hard when you’re running full speed in one direction and the ball is kind of low,” per MassLive.com’s Mark Daniels.

Turning errant throws into tough catches and positive plays is how a receiver builds chemistry with his quarterback. Maye hasn’t had the chance to establish a rapport with his wideouts because so few have remained on the roster.

The Patriots have dumped brittle speedster Tyquan Thornton and also cut ties with K.J. Osborn during this season. Those moves have left Boutte and fellow 2023 sixth-round draft pick DeMario Douglas as Maye’s go-to receivers.

A lack of quality receivers is why defenses feel comfortable playing man coverage early in games against Maye’s offense. Unambitious play-calling only gives teams more incentive to trust single coverage.

Finding a marquee target on the perimeter should be the next step in accelerating Maye’s development. Only then will the Pats be able to call more daring plays for a more dynamic contingent of playmakers.

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The Pats lost 30-17 at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, December 15, but things might have been different had head coach Mayo and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt called Maye’s number in a key moment. Arizona held a 16-3 late in the third quarter, but the Patriots faced 3rd-and-1 at the Cardinals four-yard line.

Two runs by running backs Antonio Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson failed to move the sticks and the Patriots turned the ball over on downs. The play-calling was curious considering Maye has been one of the better running QBs in the NFL during his first season in the pros.

When asked why the third-overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft wasn’t allowed to trust his legs, Mayo said, “You said it, I didn’t,” per Chad Graff of The Athletic. The unusual exchange ended with Mayo admitting, “The QB obviously has a good pair of legs. We just chose not to do it.”

Those are curious answers for a number of reasons. Not least because it’s unclear who Mayo was blaming for the play-calling. Also because Maye seemed to indicate he should have been allowed to keep the ball.

Jerod Mayo’s Drake Maye Answers Make No Sense

Was Mayo, as Graff indicated, expecting Maye to run it in from the four? If so, why he didn’t he overrule the alternate call made by Van Pelt? Why would Mayo acknowledge Maye’s talent with his legs and then not let the precocious signal-caller use his wheels at the business end of the field?

The coach’s post-game comments prompted more questions than answers and only added to the frustration over Maye not keeping ball when it mattered, frustration summed up well by The Boston Sports Journal’s Greg A. Bedard.

That sense of frustration is compounded by Maye’s obvious ability as a runner. He’s amassed 359 yards and 8.5 yards per attempt on the ground through 10 games.

Maye was asked if he thought a QB sneak would work at the goal-line and he told reporters, including NBCS Boston’s Phil Perry, “that’s a good point. I was a good quarterback sneaker in college. I’m a big dude.”

Keeping the ball out of Maye’s hands in clutch moments is becoming a worrying trend for Mayo and his staff. There was some logic to the Patriots turning to their running backs this week, but having Maye hand off to Gibson and Stevenson represented the safe approach.

Those calls summed up a risk-averse offense in Arizona.

Patriots Too Conservative vs. Cardinals

Van Pelt was allowed to take the safe option too often against the Cardinals. The safety first approach proved costly in key moments.

As Bill Simmons of The Ringer put it, New England’s “in-game strategy is so consistently brutal that I don’t know what else to say at this point. I’ve never seen a coaching staff happier to settle for a safe 3 yard play on a 3rd and 10 to set up a 53 yard FG miss.”

Those are tough words, but the Patriots can’t argue when they’re keeping the training wheels on Maye. He’s a different kind of quarterback than the franchise has had in a long while, an off-script playmaker bold enough to chance his athletic talents in any situation.

Maye isn’t exactly surrounded by game-changers among his supporting cast, but he’s merited more trust and calls than he’s getting in decisive moments.

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Rookie New England Patriots quarterback Maye, who played his collegiate football at North Carolina, actually gave his thoughts before former six-time Super Bowl-winning Pats head coach Belichick trod the same path in reverse.

Maye told reporters, including ESPN’s Mike Reiss, “Obviously, you know, legendary coach, you know with the success he had here, and what a great place Chapel Hill is. Any time you have a legendary NFL coach going back to college I think it’s cool.”

When Maye spoke, the idea of Belichick becoming a college head coach at 72 wasn’t as far off as it appeared. Not after Ollie Connolly of the Guardian US had reported on Tuesday “Belichick has agreed to become the next UNC coach. Belichick handed the school a 400 page ‘organizational bible’ with structure, payment plans, staffing choices etc. decisions on whether to commit with UNC. He is expected to know their decision within 24 hours.”

The move was eventually made official on Wednesday and confirmed by Reiss’ ESPN colleagues Adam Shefter and his colleagues Pete Thamel and Chris Low on Wednesday, December 11.

Belichick taking over at the same SEC program Maye thrived within is a shock to many. The NFL head coaching lifer is going to be in unfamiliar surroundings, but there’s a symmetry to the Tar Heels pinning their hopes on a Patriots legend, much in the same way the Pats have done with UNC star Maye to revive their franchise.

Bill Belichick’s Surprise Move Caps Hectic End to Patriots Dominance

It’s been a wild few months for Belichick. He stepped down in New England back in January after nearly a quarter of a century at the helm.

Belichick likely walked before he was officially pushed after overseeing a largely dismal four seasons since the Patriots last won a Super Bowl following the 2018 campaign. Two playoff appearances, but no postseason wins, and three other losing seasons took some of the lustre off Belichick’s otherwise decorated tenure.

He’d struggled to replace quarterback Tom Brady and made questionable decisions concerning the development of 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones. Not the least of which was letting former defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and special teams coach Joe Judge take control of the offense during Jones’ second season.

Belichick’s record without Brady is also a blot on his pro-level copybook. He is just 82-99 without Brady, counting playoffs and the 2008 season when TB12 suffered a season-ending injury early in Week 1’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, leading to the Patriots missing the playoffs.

A feeling pervaded during his final season, 2023’s 4-13 disaster, Belichick’s style had fallen out of favor with players. Maybe that makes sense of his decision to switch to college, but the choice leaves Belichick with plenty to prove in uncharted territory.

Perhaps that’s why Belichick is likely to lean on a cadre of ex-Patriots assistants. They include Patricia, according to Connolly. The latter also noted how Belichick’s son Stephen, a one-time defensive backs and outside linebackers coach in New England, has a “guarantee” to take over as “head coach in waiting.”

Maye is likely to keep a close watch on how Belichick fares at his alma mater. The first-year passer will also focus on proving the longtime Patriots coach wrong.

Drake Maye Can Help Patriots Prove Bill Belichick Wrong

Belichick hasn’t exactly been shy about being critical of his old team. He took aim at Maye back in September, when Belichick claimed the third-overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft had more to do to get up to speed in the pros than other rookie QBs.

Belichick’s critique of the current state of the Patriots didn’t stop with Maye. He also made a point of questioning his successor Jerod Mayo.

Specifically, Belichick voiced his disapproval of Mayo publicly calling out the Patriots defense in October. It was a tough assessment from a respected coach of one of his former players. Especially since Mayo is a rookie in the top job and facing a large-scale rebuild.

Mayo has gone from coaching inside linebackers to being in overall charge of preparation and the game-day operation. It’s a massive step up in responsibility, and Mayo has run into difficulty.

The 38-year-old has also inherited a roster bereft of talent in key areas, particularly on an offense Belichick had neglected for too long. Mayo and general manager Eliot Wolf drafted Maye to fix that problem, and there have been signs of progress even Patriots opponents can’t ignore.

Of course, true progress can only be measured in wins. The problem is those are hard to come by unless you have a quarterback primed for greatness surrounded by the right supporting cast.

Mayo and Wolf think they have one half of the equation, but fixing the rest requires time. It’s going to be fascinating tracking their efforts alongside Belichick’s attempts to win in college.

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Osborn was waived on Tuesday, December 10, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, despite only signing for the Pats in free agency last offseason. As NBCS Boston’s Phil Perry pointed out, Osborn “hasn’t taken a snap in four of the last five Patriots games.”

That decision creates room for young receivers to make an impact during the final four games of the season. Yet the developing group still lacks a true No. 1 target, something Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan could provide.

Mike Evans Comparisons Should Prompt Patriots Interest in Tetairoa McMillan

He’s the ideal pick for the Patriots next April, according to Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus. While “this pick might be surprising since it’s not an offensive lineman, but with over $115 million in projected effective cap space, the Patriots have the financial flexibility to address the offensive line with quality veterans in free agency. That could allow them to prioritize a high-ceiling pass catcher like Tetairoa McMillan at the top of the draft.”

McMillan fits the pedigree of a go-to receiver because “the 6-foot-6, 210-pound receiver showcases shades of Mike Evans and Drake London, with smooth movements for his size and exceptionally strong hands.”

Sikkema’s reference to Evans should prompt interest from the Patriots. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers stud is a five-time Pro Bowler who has 10-straight 1,000-yard seasons to his credit.

Evans bullies coverage as a 6-foot-5, 231-pound big-bodied pass-catcher who can stretch the field and high point the ball in the air. McMillan ticks many of the same boxes.

The 21-year-old showed off how his height and physicality can render double coverage irrelevant by snatching this jump ball for a touchdown against Houston, highlighted by Fox College Football.

Combining McMillan’s physical profile with Maye’s arm talent would further expand a burgeoning Patriots passing game. Using a top-five pick to address the receiver room would also mean avoiding more ill-fated short-term solutions like signing Osborn.

K.J. Osborn Release Typical of Patriots WR Failings

The Patriots just can’t get it right at wide receiver. As least not in free agency. Osborn couldn’t last a season, while fellow veteran Kendrick Bourne has not made much of a dent.

There had been hope Osborn would emerge as a viable deep threat. Particularly after positive performances during training camp.

The problem was Osborn didn’t get on the field enough once the games that matter began. His frustrations made him a credible trade candidate, but a deal never developed before the deadline.

Osborn’s issues have allowed the Patriots to lean into a reliance on younger pass-catchers. It’s worked for second-year pros DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte, but it’s been a different story for rookies Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker.

Head coach Jerod Mayo has demanded more from second-round pick Polk, but frustration is ongoing. The Patriots can fix their long-standing issues at receiver by drafting one of the best playmakers in the next draft class.

Then dumping Osborn early won’t look so bad.

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Landing a wideout with the ability to make contested catches and stretch the field would provide franchise quarterback Drake Maye with a reliable and dynamic target, something the rookie QB has lacked all season.

According to The Athletic’s Chad Graff, the Pats already have their eye on someone who could potentially fill that role: current Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins.

“The Patriots are going to be all in on Tee Higgins,” Graff wrote on December 9. “They’ve shown an interest in established receivers, and Higgins is the best free agent. I expect them to offer him the moon. The question is whether he says yes or no,” Graff also noted New England is ready to offer Higgins the bag, which could be enough to entice him to come to the now-struggling franchise.

“If they offer Higgins more than anyone else and pair him with Maye, maybe that overcomes being in a rebuild in a cold-weather market.”

A Look at What New England Patriots Signing WR Tee Higgins Could Look Like

Higgins, who turns 26 in January of 2025, was a second round selection for Cincinnati in 2020. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound wideout would give Maye a big-bodied and experienced target, as he has appeared in 66 games.

Financially, the Patriots are well-positioned to pursue Higgins. They’re projected to have over $132 million in cap space for the 2025 season, the most of any NFL team, per Over the Cap. This substantial fiscal flexibility enables New England to offer a competitive contract to Higgins without compromising other areas of the roster.

Considering Higgins is expected to command a decent salary — Spotrac has his market value projected at approximately $19 million per year — the Pats certainly have the resources to meet his financial expectations.

There has been talk the Bengals are unlikely to retain Higgins beyond 2024, primarily due to salary cap constraints and the need to allocate resources for other key players, such as QB Joe Burrow and top wideout Ja’Marr Chase. This could present the Pats with a prime opportunity to snag a proven receiver who can immediately elevate the team’s offense.

A Look at the Statistics

After netting over 900 receiving yards as a rookie, Higgins had his first 1,000-yard season in 2021. He finished with 74 receptions for 1,091 yards and six touchdowns that year. He followed that up with 74 catches for 1,029 yards and seven TDs in 2022, solidifying his role as a consistent playmaker. His contributions were instrumental in the Bengals’ offensive success that year, particularly during their run to Super Bowl 56 in the 2021 season.

The 2023 season presented challenges for Higgins, as injuries limited him to 12 games. Despite these setbacks, he still finished with 42 catches for 656 yards and five TDs. So far in 2024, Higgins has hauled in 45 passes for 581 yards and five scores. He has also missed time due to a quadriceps injury this year, but is currently healthy.

Maye has shown flashes over his rookie season. Surrounding him with talented skill players and a solid O-line will be paramount for New England moving forward.

Over nine games, including eight starts, Maye has completed 67.2% of his passes for 1,696 yards, 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions, while also rushing 38 times for 345 yards and one touchdown. He has fumbled five times, which is an issue, but his promise alone has Pats fans looking forward to the future. We’ll see if Higgins is a part of it.

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Although it’s a shock to see Bill Belichick interviewing at a strong, but not elite program in UNC – albeit one of the top job openings so far in NCAAF, it is more surprising to see him in the college football world at all.

Why Is Bill Belichick Interviewing For College Football Coaching Jobs

GettyFormer UNC head coach, Mack Brown

Belichick has long had a public appreciation of certain aspects of Division I Football; appearing as a guest on College Gameday in 2023, and a very long, well-known friendship with former Alabama coach and 7 x National Champion, Nick Saban.

Yet, the fact that he was actively pursuing a job away from the NFL and in the college realm is still deeply surprising to many; especially when it came out that Belichick took a second interview with the Tar Heels just days later.

Unbeknownst to some, however, is the fact that Belichick’s father, Steve, who Bill famously revered, was a college football assistant coach for a total of 40 years, including 3 seasons spent with – perhaps uncoincidentally – the University of North Carolina.

Belichick Explains Exactly What He Brings To A College Football Program

GettyBill Belichick hoisting the Lombardi Trophy

Speaking on Pat McAfee’s show, Belichick broke down the reasons behind his desire to re-enter the coaching sphere at the college level, and what a UNC team may look like under him, per the Pat McAfee Show.

“IF I was in a College program it would be a pipeline to the NFL for the players that had the ability to play in the NFL..

It would be a professional program at the College level..

I don’t have any doubt that the players would be ready for the NFL” ~ Bill Belichick #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/JyMDtzs2yR

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 9, 2024

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Speaking to McAfee and co host, AJ Hawk, Belichick notes how coaching roles in pro and college football have begun to converge; negotiating the often vast NIL agreements with high-level recruits, managing the school’s budget or “salary cap” and preparing a team for the expanded 12 team playoff where, similar to the NFL, the league’s importance is now far more weighted towards the postseason.

Belichick also explains what a UNC – or indeed any college football program would look like under him.

“IF I was in a college program, the college program would be a pipeline to the NFL for the players that had the ability to play in the NFL. It would be a professional program; training, nutrition, scheme, coaching, techniques that would transfer to the NFL.

It would be an NFL program at a college level and an education that would get the players ready for their career after football, whether that was at the end of their college career or the end of their pro career.”

The 8 x Super Bowl champion paints quite the rosy picture of his potential future tenure at a top level college organization. And whilst many often like to draw a slightly exaggerated version of what they can bring to the table, there is no doubt that Belichick can bring everything he promised on McAfee’s show and much more.

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That’s the description from Vinnie Iyer of The Sporing News. He pointed out defensive tackle “Graham is a nasty run stopper whose flashes as an inside pass rusher suggest potential dominance in the NFL. That will sell Jerod Mayo on Graham being his new defensive lynchpin.”

Graham won’t be a tough sell for Mayo based on a shared view about a “monster” interior lineman’s potential to wreck both phases of offenses. Mayo also won’t need much convincing to draft defense, given his own ample experience on that side of the ball.

The tougher sell would be convincing Patriots fans that foregoing a wide receiver or offensive tackle with what’s likely to be a top-five pick is the right call.

Patriots Defense Needs “Monster” Mason Graham

It’s not difficult to make a case for the Patriots drafting Graham. Not when a defense performing below expectations needs a new “monster” up front.

Graham fits the bill, according to Jared Feinberg of The Panthers Wire. He dubbed Graham “a monster” who possesses the “room for growth as a pass rusher but the ceiling is high there. Powerful, sudden, and quick DL at 6’3, 318.”

Feinberg’s take is shared by Sportsbook Review’s Bobby Football. He also thinks “Graham is just a monster. He’s so explosive and his hands are so heavy. One of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft for a reason.”

The notion of Graham being a no-brainer among the top prospects in this class is common among draft analysts. Inclusing ESPN’s Jordan Reid, who states Graham’s “a top 10 pick all day long. Turn in the card.”

There are ample reasons for the Patriots to use what’s currently projected to be the fourth-overall pick on the kind of defensive lineman who used to be the foundation of tough and resourceful front sevens.

Graham fits the blueprint of a Richard Seymour or Vince Wilfork. He’s also somebody who would be a formidable partner alongside Christian Barmore, the current linchpin up front who opponents struggle to stop by legal means or otherwise.

Restoring some dominance defensively will be a priority for Mayo. The rookie head coach played middle linebacker for eight seasons in New England, but he and defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington are overseeing a unit ranked 20th in points and yards.

Rebuilding on this side of the ball makes sense for the long-term, but the best short-term move might be putting another bluechip player next to Maye.

Jerod Mayo Must Help Drake Maye

Mayo and his staff are seeing the exciting traits that convinced them to take Maye with this year’s third-overall pick. The 22-year-old is showcasing the arm strength and scrambling skills to redefine what’s long been a pedestrian offense, but Maye needs letting off the leash more often by his head coach.

It will be easier to unleash the full range of Maye’s skill-set if he has better talent around him on offense. That’s why other draft scribes have the Pats beefing up their young signal-caller’s supporting cast in the opening round.

Among them, Josh Edwards of CBS Sports has the Patriots solidifying Maye’s blindside with LSU left tackle Will Campbell. It’s a smart pick and few could complain about Mayo and general manager Eliot Wolf selecting offensive line help.

Nor would fans be unhappy if the Patriots braintrust opted to take a wide receiver the caliber of Tetairoa McMillan. The Arizona star is the pick in Trevor Sikkema’s latest mock for Pro Football Focus.

Building around Maye looks like the Patriots fastest route to becoming competitive again.

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For the New England Patriots, the future includes finding a true No. 1 wide receiver, especially with rookie quarterback Drake Maye at the helm. New England’s current receiving corps lacks a true No. 1 target, which hasn’t helped Maye’s development or the team’s overall offensive efficiency.

Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame put together a new trade proposal that would give New England one of the NFL’s premiere WRs. Verderame named the Patriots one of two teams who should go all in for Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro wideout Ja’Marr Chase.

“Looking around the NFL, there are a few teams I believe make the most sense,” Verderame wrote on December 5. “The New England Patriots and Washington Commanders are both intriguing, as each has extra draft picks, ample cap space and a rookie quarterback who needs more skill-position talent to reach his full potential. … By moving off Chase, the Bengals could acquire enough future cap space and draft picks to transform a roster riddled with issues. Cincinnati would undoubtedly spark a bidding war by putting Chase on the block, driving up what many in league circles say would already be a historic price.”

SI’s Trade Proposal: Patriots Send 5 Draft Picks to Bengals in Exchange for WR Ja’Marr Chase

GettyWide receiver Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals with some toe-drag swag.

Acquiring a dynamic playmaker such as Chase would give Maye a reliable and explosive option that would very likely transform the Patriots’ passing game. Verderame’s proposal is an extremely costly one, though. Check it out:

• Cincinnati would get: New England’s 2025 second- and two third-round picks, along with ’26 first- and fourth-round picks
• New England would get: Chase

At 24, Chase has already established himself as one of the NFL’s top wideouts. Into Week 14, he leads the league in both receiving yards (1,142) and receiving touchdowns (13).

His rookie year (2021), he tallied 81 receptions for 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns, which earned him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. The following season, despite being limited to 12 games due to injury, he hauled in 87 catches for 1,046 yards and nine TDs. In 2023, Chase continued his high-level play with 100 receptions for 1,216 yards and seven touchdowns over 16 games.

But would he be worth giving up five draft picks for? Considering the Patriots’ recent lack of draft success, leveraging picks for a proven talent like Chase might be a more effective strategy in addressing their offensive deficiencies.

Drake Maye Could Use a WR With Chase’s Playmaking Abilities

Pairing Chase with Maye could replicate the success seen in other quarterback-receiver duos, elevating the Patriots’ offense to new heights. Chase’s ability to stretch the field would also open up opportunities for other receivers and the running game, creating a more balanced offense.

Moreover, Chase’s youth aligns with the team’s rebuilding timeline, as he would be a cornerstone of the offense for years to come.

While the cost of acquiring Chase would be substantial, the investment in the young Bengals wideout could yield significant returns. Chase will want to be paid, though, so the Pats would have to factor in his fiscal desires into their plans, as well. It’s a pipe dream at this point, but Chase and the Bengals were at loggerheads prior to the start of the season due to Chase’s desire for an extension, so he could be one player to keep an eye on when March 2025 rolls around.

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Maye discussed what the role entails after the Patriots were beaten 25-24 by the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13. The third-overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft was asked about Brissett entering that game for one play to fein a QB sneak and help the Pats convert on 3rd-and-1.

When asked if the Patriots have “been working on” ways to get Brissett involved and keep defenses guessing, Maye responded (beginning at the 6:14 mark), “Yeah, I just think mixing it up. So I think going about our philosophy, hopefully, not trying to share that information. Just glad we picked up the first down.”

Maye played his cards close to his chest and downplayed this schematic wrinkle. Yet, Brissett getting into the game to run a situational sub-package is part of a growing trend for an increasingly creative Patriots offense in recent weeks.

Jacoby Brissett Part of More Trickery from Patriots

Brissett didn’t run a sneak when he entered the fray against the Colts. Instead, the 31-year-old helped to disguise a trick play featuring wide receiver Kendrick Bourne.

The key role played by Brissett was described by ESPN’s Mike Reiss. He detailed how “QB Jacoby Brissett gets 1 snap on third-and-1 play (3Q/6:12) – creating greater threat of sneak – on sweep handoff to Kendrick Bourne.”

What stood out more than the play itself is how it formed just one part of an overload of trickery used against Indy’s defense. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt “mixed it up” by using cornerback Marcus Jones as both a runner and a decoy, by deploying tight end Hunter Henry as a ball-carrier, putting running back Rhamondre Stevenson into a ‘wildcat’ look and having Bourne run a sweep.

All of those things were highlighted by Taylor Kyles of Patriots on CLNS Media. Kyles also pointed out how “Van Pelt has dialed up at least 2 in 3 straight games, and at least 1 in 4 straight.”

A trend is clearly developing. One involving the Patriots using sleight of hand and imaginative deployment of personnel to try and create splash plays.

The upsurge in creativity not only underlines how much the Pats have struggled to produce big gains via conventional means. Van Pelt’s trick plays are also supporting Maye’s efforts to expand the offense.

Drake Maye Adding Unpredictability to Patriots Offense

Maye is doing his bit to make the Patriots tougher to decipher on offense. The 22-year-old’s contribution is coming from his natural athleticism and core dual-threat skills.

Those traits are being personified by Maye’s considerable threat scrambling from the pocket and gaining yards on the ground. It’s an area where he leads the NFL since replacing Brissett as the starter for Week 6’s game against the Houston Texans, according to Next Gen Stats.

Being an active runner is just one reason why Maye is emerging as a playmaker the Patriots need to trust more to win games. His awesome arm strength and greater willingness to test coverage have also made a difference.

The Maye-led Patriots are averaging 9.9 yard per pass completion, compared to just 8.8 when Brissett was at the helm, per Pro Football Reference. Maye has also averaged 188.4 yards through the air per game, compared with 118.3 for Brissett.

Improved numbers like these, coupled with Van Pelt’s greater appetite for some trickery, is adding excitement for a rebuilding team. More efficiency in the mix should lead to a few wins.

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Regular appearances on ESPN’s Monday Night Football “Manningcast” and “Pat McAfee Show” have shown a softer, more jovial side to fans, whilst enhancing his reputation as connoisseur and all time authority on the game of football.

Bill Belichick Could Not Secure A Head Coaching Gig In 2024

GettyBill Belichick helps out son, Steve Belichick, coaching the Washington Huskies.

The 6 x Super Bowl winning head coach is broadly regarded as the greatest pro football head coach of all time, and by many as the greatest sporting coach of all time.

In spite of his accolades, Belichick was unable to land a job as the head coach of an NFL team in the 2024 hiring cycle, although Kyle Shanahan confirmed that he approached the former Patriot to be the team’s defensive coordinator for this current season; an offer that was politely declined.

A failure to woo the team closest to bringing in the now 72 year old, the Atlanta Falcons, with concerns about his age and potential inability to fully delegate personnel control to the executives, lead to a mandatory season sabbatical talking ball with other major sports personalities.

Belichick Lands Interview With Surprising First Candidate

GettyUNC Football vs. Syracuse

Bill Belichick is widely viewed to be looking to get back into coaching as soon as possible, despite finding success in the media booth.

The news of Belichick taking part of any interview at this point is surprising, as NFL teams do not tend to interview prior to “Black Monday”, the day after the final regular season games where head coaches in danger have their fates sealed.

And so, interestingly, Belichick’s first interview of the hiring cycle for 2025 does not come from pro football, but from college, per Grant Hughes.

After the firing of former National Championship winner, Mack Brown, in late November, it seemed like the Tar Heels might be up to something, given the slightly strange timing of the dismissal; 4 days prior to the team’s “Feast Week” rival game against NC State.

Despite CBS sports naming UNC their #1 college football head coaching vacancy, many others are expected to follow at the conclusion of the championship weekend, and indeed the expanded, 12 team playoffs – including, quite possibly, Ohio State.

A non-elite program that plays in the 3rd best conference in college football, the ACC, seems to be a rather left-field pick for a man who many believe could end up having multiple suitors in both the college and pro football spheres.

Perhaps Belichick is using this as valuable interview prep; getting a grasp as to what teams want to see from a 72 year old coach that many regard as stubborn – even if he does have eight Super Bowl rings.

Or instead, he may be keeping his options open: given his age, Belichick knows that he does not have years to sit around waiting for the perfect job opening to come his way. If he is as intent on getting back into coaching as the world believe he is, perhaps even a perceived “step down” to take the UNC job may well be worthwhile for the coaching mastermind.

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There had been doubts about Simmons’ ability to make it to the draft after the 21-year-old injured his knee against Oregon back in October. Fortunately, the player’s new agent Drew Rosenhaus informed reporters on Wednesday, December 4, “Josh will be fully cleared for practice by the start of NFL training camp and he will be a high first-round pick,” per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

That’s good news for the Pats, according to Patriots.com Staff Writer Evan Lazar, who rates Simmons as a “Really interesting prospect to watch for the #Patriots. Some believe Simmons is the best pure OT in this class. But the knee injury could see him fall out of the first round.”

Simmons possibly slipping out of Round 1 because of doubts about his surgically-repaired knee could help Patriots general manager Eliot Wolf land a bargain. Lazar isn’t the only one who thinks highly of the Buckeyes stud. Another strong endorsement comes from The Draft Network describing Simmons as “Pro Bowl caliber.”

The Patriots need an infusion of elite talent along a suspect offensive line that’s left quarterbacks, including 2024 third-overall pick Drake Maye, battered and bruised this season.

Josh Simmons’ Draft Status Good News for Patriots

Simmons declaring his readiness for the draft, albeit through his representatives, is a good sign for the Patriots. The news puts a true left tackle and natural athlete in play as Maye’s potential next blindside protector.

It’s been a problem position amid a myriad of negative developments, but Simmons would offer a permanent fix if he’s fully healthy. He possesses the “Easy athleticism to move laterally but has made a big jump as a consistent run blocker too. Gets to the second level with ease, balanced as a pass protector, strong anchor. Love what I’m seeing,” according to Devin Jackson of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Those sentiments are echoed by Bleacher Report’s Brandon Thorn. He notes how “In pass protection Simmons has a clean, crisp setup in his flat and angled pass sets with good pad level, active hands and easy redirect skills to protect the corner and remain balanced through the top of the QB’s drop.”

Meanwhile, The Draft Network detailed that “Simmons’ footwork enables him to handle a variety of alignments and rushes. He has no trouble getting to his spot against speed rushers and shows no real deficiencies in managing power with his lower body.”

Simmons also has ample experience on the left side, despite the injury layoff. He’s taken 1,130 snaps at left tackle the last two years, per Pro Football Focus.

The Patriots should track Simmons as a possible way to stop switching from one solution to another at arguably the second most important position in football.

Patriots Need Left Tackle Solution

Problems began when free-agent arrival Chukwuma Okorafor left the team in September amid contemplating retirement. Practice squad journeyman Vederian Lowe has been filling in but only after this year’s third-round pick Caedan Wallace went on injured reserve.

Wallace was a right tackle during his college days at Penn State, so he lacks the experience of Simmons. Nor does former undrafted free agent Demontrey Jacobs, who’s made starts on the left this season, but he isn’t a long-term solution.

Finding one of those has to be Wolf’s priority this offseason. Maye and veteran passer Jacoby Brissett have been sacked 25 and 18 times, respectively.

Those numbers won’t change unless the Patriots add some core, young building blocks up front.

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With a 10-2 record and on an 8-game winning streak headed into a Week 14 home game against the Carolina Panthers, some of the Eagles’ best players are already being scoped out as high-priority free agent targets in 2025.

One of those players is defensive tackle Milton Williams, who Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine thinks should draw big money, singling out the AFC East’s New England Patriots as a likely possible destination.

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The burly defensive tackle just wishes the referees had shared the same knowledge. Barmore spoke out about being held on the decisive QB keeper Richardson ran up the gut to get into the end zone for the second time at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, December 1.

That score condemned the Pats to a 25-24 defeat, but Barmore explained how he “Felt like I had good position. I felt like someone was holding my leg. Quenton Nelson is a good player and he came and got me, but I felt like somebody was holding my leg. Real frustrating,” per ESPN’s Mike Reiss.

Several other observers saw what Barmore was talking about, but crucially, the officials didn’t. The apparent missed call was the final insult to injury from a game the Patriots should have won handily, but still somehow conspired to lose.

Holding on Christian Barmore Went Unnoticed

Many, including MassLive.com’s Chris Mason, couldn’t believe how Barmore being tackled to the ground by rookie offensive tackle Matt Goncalves escaped the attention of referees. As Mason put it, “I understand wanting to swallow the whistles with the game on the line, but the hold on Christian Barmore on the 2-point conversion was, uhhhhh, egregious.”

Mason wasn’t alone in his thinking, although Phil Perry of NBCS Boston took a slightly different slant. Rather than lament the lack of a call for holding, Perry pointed out another infraction just as worthy of prompting any official to throw a flag.

Perry believes “If not a hold, officials might acknowledge after the fact there’s a chop block penalty they missed here. One offensive player (Matt Goncalves) engaged Christian Barmore below the waist. Another (Quentin Nelson) above the waist.”

The more angles of the play that become visible, the more confounding it is Barmore didn’t get any sort of a call. His sense of injustice compounded what has been a tough return to the field for one of the Patriots best defensive players.

Barmore began the season sidelined by blood clots, but he made a rapid recovery to return against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11. No. 90 has made six solo tackles, including one for loss and notched a sack since his comeback.

Those are solid numbers, but far from spectacular, because Barmore is suffering amid the broader struggles of an under-performing defense.

Patriots Defense Faltered in Key Moments vs. Colts

Keeping Richardson under wraps wasn’t a problem when he was throwing the ball. The second-year passer mustered just 109 yards and completed 50 percent of his throws, but Richardson wasn’t sacked and he also converted three of three fourth-down attempts.

The Patriots faltered in key moments because Richardson gained yardage on the ground whenever he needed, just like running back Jonathan Taylor. The two helped the Colts rush for 144 yards.

A defense unable to get off the field when it mattered, especially when the Colts went 80 yards in 20 plays for the winning touchdown, undermined New England’s dominance in almost every other phase.

That dominance was revealed by Chad Graff of The Athletic, who noted the Patriots “had more passing yards — more rushing yards — more first downs — better on third down — fewer turnovers — more time of possession,” but still lost.

Things might’ve been different if the refs had spotted Barmore’s tussle with Goncalves. Or if head coach Jerod Mayo had let rookie quarterback Drake Maye chance his arm in the final seconds.

Yet for all the what ifs, wasting a considerable statistical advantage is proof the Patriots aren’t making the right plays in clutch situations. That’s usually the formula for perpetual losing.

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Instead, head coach Jerod Mayo opted to have veteran kicker Joey Slye attempt a 68-yard field goal. Slye’s kick was just short, hardly a surprise since nobody in league history has ever made so a long an attempt, and the Patriots lost 25-24.

Sidelining Maye at midfield and denying him the chance to heave the ball into the end zone was a curious choice. Yet to his credit, the rookie isn’t unhappy about the call. At least not publicly.

Maye told reporters (starting at the 6:58 mark) after the game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, December 1, “I think it’s up to the coaching. I’m here to support what Coach Mayo and the special teams guys and what Joey thinks. Whether it’s that or the hail Mary, you know, either one.”

That’s a diplomatic response from a young player already acting like the worthy leader of a rebuilding team. Maye’s response was also easier to decipher than Mayo’s confusing justification for choosing an improbable kick over taking a final deep shot.

Jerod Mayo’s Reasoning Leaves More Questions than Answers

Mayo fronted up about the field-goal decision. He explained, beginning at the 1:18 mark, how the call “was 100 percent me. Look, Slye was hitting it well in pregame, and I felt that was the best thing to do to help our team win the football game. Not sure what the numbers are on hail mary’s vs. the field goal, but that’s what I felt was right.”

Nobody could excuse Mayo of being indecisive, but his logic may be at fault. Specifically when history was against Slye and, as ESPN’s Bill Barnwell pointed out, “one (a Hail Mary) has happened a few times this season.”

The obvious point of reference for Barnwell’s comment is the successful last-second heave thrown by Jayden Daniels for the Washington Commanders against the Chicago Bears in Week 8. It worked when wide receiver Noah Brown snatched the ball in the end zone via a deflection.

Daniels was chosen one pick ahead of Maye in this year’s draft, and his successful Hail Mary provides a snapshot of the contrasting approaches the Commanders and Patriots have taken to their rookie quarterbacks.

Patriots Too Cautious With Drake Maye

Mayo made what he thought was the safer call, and his caution sums up how the Patriots have handled Maye. While the Commanders started Daniels immediately and trusted him to direct an offense rebuilt around his particular skills, the Pats sat Maye behind journeyman Jacoby Brissett for several weeks.

That decision looks short-sighted after the Patriots have become more dynamic moving the ball since Maye took the reins. What the precocious signal-caller needs is a coaching staff prepared to unleash his daring brand of football.

There will be some boom or bust moments, but Maye is set to redefine the careful strategies the Patriots have used for years and Mayo is still trying to lean on for security. The rookie head coach needs to face what he has at football’s most important position and construct more expansive supporting casts and game-plans for Maye.

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Eberflus didn’t use his team’s final timeout, even though rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was situationally unaware about the clock winding down. The game-management gaffe was compounded by the Bears being at the Lions’ 25-yard line and well in range of a game-tying field goal.

Watching the missed opportunity prompted Mayo, who owns a win over Eberflus from Week 10, to place a call to Patriots director of game management Evan Rothstein. The conversation continued Mayo’s learning process.

Matt Eberflus’ Plight Presented a Teachable Moment

Mayo explained how he “actually called Evan and we were talking through that situation. It was great – great conversation. Oftentimes, it’s easy to second guess and look back on those decisions that are made and say, ‘Well, that’s crazy.’ For me, it’s another opportunity to be a better head football coach.”

The call was placed “right after the situation that happened. I called him right after that like, ‘Man.’ I’m not going to get into that whole world, but I probably would’ve handled it a little differently. Again, easy for me to say sitting just right here.”

As Mayo pointed out, it’s easy to judge from the pressure-free confines of watching a game at home. Yet Eberflus ultimately had to be held accountable on two fronts.

First, for his players not knowing the situation regarding the clock, down and distance and position on the field. Williams could be excused for his inexperience, although more should be expected from the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

As NFL Media’s Bucky Brooks pointed out, the head coach needs to take charge when players are feeling the pressure of the moment: “That situation should be practiced so much that everyone operates on autopilot at the end.. Regardless, the head coach must burn a timeout when he senses things are out of wack. Calm the team down and remind them of what needs to be done.”

Brooks’ reference to the need for any team to practice specific situations speaks to what was long a foundation of the Partriots’ success under Mayo’s predecessor Bill Belichick.

Jerod Mayo Still Making Situational Football a Priority for Patriots

Mayo has naturally struggled after following six-time Super Bowl winner Belichick into the top job. Some struggles were inevitable for a first-time head coach sifting through the wreckage of a 4-13 roster, but Mayo is wisely still leaning on one of Belichick’s key principles.

Belichick consistently talked up the importance of situational football. That emphasis is continuing on Mayo’s watch, with MassLive.com’s Mark Daniels explaining how the process is working.

It starts with Rothstein, who’s “in his fourth season with the Patriots. Along with his duties as the team’s assistant quarterback’s coach, his work as the director of game management falls in line with what happened to the Bears. During every Patriots game, he’s in Mayo’s headset where he talks about different situations to help the coach.”

Paying attention to the finer details in decisive situations isn’t the only Belichick tendency Mayo is adopting. He’s also shown a willingness to call the same opponent-specific strategies and make creative use of personnel on defense. Like when the Pats used a special teams star to stymie Williams at Solider Field.

Mayo is learning on the job, but he’ll need to accelerate his education to avoid a similar fate to Eberflus.

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Baker was on the field for 11 snaps at his natural position, earning just one target and not making a catch. Those numbers hardly belong in the career scrapbook, but the 22-year-old is chooing to look on the bright side.

The Patriots fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft told MassLive.com’s Mark Daniels, “If that’s considered my first career start then yeah, that’s cool. The coaches are now trusting me. Everything is starting to click.”

That’s a surprising level of confidence from a wideout who has been buried on the depth chart, despite the Pats lacking legitimate, big-play talent at the position. Baker’s taken heat for his lack of fundamentals as a receiver, while he’s also raised the ire of his head coach for struggling to make his presence felt on special teams.

Javon Baker Still Has Room to Improve

Mayo called Baker out for hesitation returning kicks against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11. Those words may have been ringing in Baker’s ears when the Patriots arrived at Hard Rock Stadium.

He didn’t return a kick in Miami, but Baker did earn 16 percent of the snaps on offense, per Pro Football Reference. Perhaps the disparity is a sign of the Patriots desperation to create more splash plays in the passing game.

Baker has long had potential as a vertical playmaker but, translating that potential to the field has proved difficult. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt voiced criticism of Baker’s struggles with the basics, like lining up and running routes.

Van Pelt has since doubled down on those comments. He was asked on November 27 what Baker needs to do to play more often, and the play-caller bluntly told the Boston Heralds Doug Kyed, “Have more consistent snaps in practice.”

Baker’s early-season problems returned against the Dolphins, according to Andrew Callahan of The Boston Herald. He highlighted a lack of timing to show Baker still has room to improve.

Baker will improve if seeing the field more often against the Dolphins is the start of an extended workload. More reps will help Baker give rookie quarterback Drake Maye the deep threat he needs.

Patriots Need Big-Play Target for Drake Maye

Maye is already transforming New England’s passing game thanks to his awesome arm talent. What he needs is a receiver whose vertical speed matches how far he can throw the ball.

Baker is the obvious candidate, but the former UCF standout must iron out the rough patches in his technique. There’s no doubt Maye wants to target Baker on deep routes.

That was noticed by Taylor Kyles of Patriots on CLNS against the Tennessee Titans in Week 9. Kyles illustrated how “Baker ran two downfield routes from the X spot vs the Titans and was open both times, but pressure affected the play Second route was a dino post, which Drake Maye has seemingly wanted to hit for the past two weeks.”

Getting a big-play connection working will not only accelerate the development of third-overall draft pick Maye. It would also mean more playing time for Baker, ahead of a group featuring veterans K.J. Osborn and Kendrick Bourne, as well as fellow rookie Ja’Lynn Polk.

Baker explained to Daniels how he got used to being a backup during his collegiate days at Alabama: “It’s not really very difficult because I did the same thing that I’m doing now at Bama when I was behind a Heisman Trophy winner, Devonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle and all them. It’s not really difficult. I just have to do what I do best and be me. If it feels difficult, then I would’ve gotten in my own head, but I haven’t. I’m very even (keeled). I don’t get too low or too high. It’s God’s plan. It’s not his plan to have me play out there right now.”

The Patriots didn’t draft Baker to extol the virtues of life further down the depth chart. They’re still hoping he can emerge as the field-stretcher Maye lacks.

It will only happen with greater trust and more reps.

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Former middle linebacker Ted Johnson Jr. who helped the Patriots go to four Super Bowls, winning three, thinks Dugger looks “lost.” Johnson, now an analyst for NBC Sports Boston, tore into Dugger for the struggling defensive back’s performance during Week 12’s 34-15 defeat to the Miami Dolphins.

As Johnson put it, “Kyle Dugger looks like a ball in high grass…..lost. Just like last week vs the Rams, the motions and PA are killing the Patriot’s D.”

Johnson didn’t stop there. In addition to crediting, of sorts, Dugger for giving up two touchdowns in the red zone, Johnson also offered the player some advice: “If I’m Kyle Dugger I’m calling in sick to work tomorrow.”

That’s a brutal putdown of a player expected to be a leader for a tough defense this season. Instead, Dugger’s issues are common across a unit performing below expectations.

Johnson’s critique hints at the problem being more about scheme than personnel.

Kyle Dugger Not Meeting Past Standards

The Patriots paid up to keep Dugger in town because he’d proved himself as an accomplished, all-round safety. Being a thumper against the run who could play in the box made Dugger an asset, but so did being able to body tight ends and slot receivers.

Dugger was also set apart as a rare draft success during the dying years of head coach Bill Belichick’s decorated tenure. Getting a lucrative contract extension made Dugger the first top pick in a Patriots draft class to earn a second deal since 2011.

A big payday and some scheme continuity, thanks to defensive assistant Jerod Mayo replacing Belichick as head coach, had Dugger worthy of top-10 recognition to some analysts.

The 28-year-old isn’t playing like a top-10 talent at his position. He appeared confused about his coverage responsibilities against the Dolphins and their moving parts.

One example occurred when Miami running back De’Von Achane scored via a catch and run. Duggan was alerted by cornerback Marcus Jones to the possibility of Achane releasing into a pass pattern, but the safety took “himself out of the play,” according to Taylor Kyles of Patriots on CLNS.

This wasn’t the only breakdown bearing Dugger’s name. He was also slow to react to a screen thrown to ex-Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith. The touchdown left Kyles to conclude “Dugger consistently struggled with awareness, communication, and eye discipline, and he seemed at least partly responsible for each of MIA’s TDs.”

Poor technique and a lack of scheme recognition were rarities when Belichick ran the defenses, but the 2024 Patriots are getting caught out by an opponent’s best plays and weapons too often.

Patriots Look Unprepared Defensively

It’s not as if the Patriots weren’t prepared for what was coming from the Dolphins. They preceded facing the Dolphins by taking on the Los Angeles Rams and their similar reliance on motion, moving pockets and elaborate route concepts.

A warning about motion from Patriots.com Staff Writer Evan Lazar went unheeded. He noted how “The Rams averaged 9.2 yards per play when they motioned, compared to a 4.5-yard average when there wasn’t any motion on the play. Despite their high motion rate, New England looked unprepared for LA’s motion concepts, and guess what, the Dolphins are about to do the exact same thing on Sunday.”

New England’s defense was still undone by the Dolphins “throwing to the motion man and using motion to move the Patriots defense in the wrong direction,” per Lazar.

Numbers from Next Gen Stats showed “The Dolphins used motion at their highest rate in a game this season (93.7%) with Tua Tagovailoa completing 27 of his 37 attempts for 268 yards and 4 touchdowns on such plays. Tagovailoa’s 4 TD passes off motion are tied for the most in any game this season.”

Not only did the Patriots get the basics wrong against a familiar system, they didn’t always match best against best. It was a major problem against the Rams when top cornerback Christian Gonzalez inexplicably didn’t trail marquee wide receivers Cooper Kupp or Puka Nacua.

Things were only slightly different against the Dolphins. Lazar pointed out how Gonzalez didn’t always shadow five-time All-Pro speedster Tyreek Hill: “According to NextGen Stats, Gonzalez lined up over Hill on half his routes (18 of 36).”

Mayo hasn’t been afraid to call out shoddy fundamentals from his defense, but he and first-year coordinator DeMarcus Covington must support players like Duggan with smarter strategies.

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He saw his team put a 34-15 beatdown on Maye and the Pats at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, November 24. Yet McDaniel believes the future is bright for Maye, even though that’s bad news for the Patriots AFC East rivals.

Speaking to reporters, including Ben Volin of The Boston Globe, McDaniel admitted, “Honestly I’m not really rooting for his development, but I can appreciate the player, and they have a very good player to work with.”

Maye didn’t have much of a chance to showcase his upside during a lopsided game between familiar division opponents. Nonetheless, this is the second time in as many weeks Maye has received a glowing review from a premier offensive-minded, NFL head coach.

Drake Maye Will Learn from Tough Day

The Pats were 31-0 down after three quarters, while Maye had been engulfed by relentless pressure from a swarming Dolphins defense. He averaged just six yards per completion and threw an interception.

This was a sobering afternoon for a highly-touted rookie who had been earning comparisons to a Pro Bowl passer before this week. The Maye hype train will slow down after a tough day in Miami, but this rough outing is still a learning moment for the third player selected in the 2024 NFL draft.

Maye sounds like he knows the value of embracing adversity and using it as motivation for working toward future gains. He revealed “I told the guys today, ‘Let’s remember this feeling, getting our butts whipped,'” per Volin.

That’s a mature response from a 22-year-old still learning his craft. One lesson Maye knows the Patriots need to take on board is not beating themselves.

The first-year signal-caller pointed out “Penalties. Penalties hurt us,” after the Pats “finished with 10 accepted penalties for 75 yards. Miami was flagged three times for 18 yards,” according to NBCS Boston’s Phil Perry.

Incurring too many flags wasn’t the only problem for the Patriots. Maye’s offense was also fatally undermined by feeble blocking up front.

A prime example of the breakdowns in protection was described in detail by Perry, when the Dolphins “ran the same T-E game again on 3rd and 15. Sack. And that’s after two QB hits allowed and a false start on Vederian Lowe. The offensive line isn’t allowing the Patriots to make an attempt at making this a game.”

Maye wasn’t helped by his teammates, but opposing coaches are still seeing the playmaker he could become with further development and a better supporting cast.

Dolphins Coach Joins Growing Fan Club for Patriots QB1

McDaniel’s vote of confidence echoes what Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay expressed last week. The Rams bettered Maye in a 28-22 victory at Gillette Stadium, but McVay saw a “special player.”

There’s something bittersweet about all of this praise for the Patriots’ would-be franchise quarterback. Maye would surely have a better chance of living up to his draft status if he had a daring and innovative play-caller like McVay or McDaniel overseeing his progress.

Instead, rookie head coach Jerod Mayo, whose background is on defense, is primarily responsible for Maye’s development. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt is another key voice, but Maye needs better weapons and more creative concepts to help unleash his full talents.

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It’s not as if Mayo is critiquing Baker’s performances at his natural position. Instead, the floundering first-year player is being taken to task for struggling away from the offense and on special teams.

Mayo blasted Baker’s erratic performance returning kicks agains the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11. Speaking after the 28-22 defeat at Gillette Stadium, Mayo said Baker “Didn’t execute the way we all hoped he would. Even on that big return [46 yards], it was one of those situations ‘Is he coming out?’ Same with 2nd…,” per ESPN’s Mike Reiss.

Those comments represent the latest in a series of setbacks for Baker. He was supposed to be the big-play threat the Pats have lacked for too long in the passing game, but now the former UCF star looks set to struggle just getting on the field at all.

Patriots Can’t Find a Way to Use Javon Baker

Baker was expected to stretch the field and high-point the tough catches. It was a fine theory based on the 22-year-old’s core play strength and vertical speed, but the role hasn’t materialised.

A lack of attention to the details of his position doomed Baker’s chances of getting more reps as a receiver earlier in the season. Since then, Mayo and his staff widened the net to try and get Baker’s explosive potential more involved.

Becoming a weapon on special teams looked like the answer, but Baker hasn’t take to the role. There have been some positive flashes, like this 46-yard runback against the Rams, highlighted by Ben Brown of The QB List.

As is typical for a struggling newbie, Baker soon followed a positive moment with a negative play. In this case, a more tentative return lamented by Brown.

This mistake showcased everything wrong with Baker’s debut campaign in the pros. His concentration wavered, technique was poor and there wasn’t enough effort to make up for a bad start to a play.

It’s why Baker isn’t making the grade in football’s third phase, but he’s not the only 2024 draft pick who’s disappointed.

Jerod Mayo Needs Rookie Class to Improve

Mayo and the Patriots weren’t just counting on Baker adding some juice to a dormant passing attack. This year’s second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk was supposed to do the same, but he’s also struggled mightily.

Polk was guilty of a false start against the Rams, negating a play Mayo was sure would be a touchdown, according to Brian Hines of SB Nation’s Pats Pulpit.

The gaffe only serves to compound the lack of contributions Polk is making to a rebuilding offense. He’s snagged a mere 11 receptions and averaged just 2.9 yards per target, per Pro Football Reference.

To put those numbers into context, Polk isn’t even keeping pace with previous draft busts N’Keal Harry and Tyquan Thornton, according to Chad Graff of The Athletic.

That’s hardly the best endorsement, since both Neal and Thornton are now on the practice squads for other teams. They represent a long-standing problem the Patriots have had drafting quality wide receivers.

The issue predates Mayo, but Polk and Baker were supposed to change things. Instead, they’re increasingly in danger of becoming wasted picks.

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Speaking to reporters, including the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan, on Wednesday, November 20, Henry went into detail about why Maye reminds him of former Los Angeles Chargers teammate Herbert.

Henry explained how “Justin’s a special player, but, you know, Drake’s a very special player, too. You know, both — I think the size always helps. I mean, Drake is a big guy, and, you know, Justin, obviously, is a very big guy. The mobility always helps, too; being able to create plays on the run, not just passing, but also with his feet.”

That’s lofty praise from a player who caught passes from both signal-callers. Shared traits with Herbert should excite Patriots fans about the potential of Maye moving forward.

The third-overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft is already redefining what the Pats can expect from football’s most important position.

Justin Herbert an Apt Comparison for Drake Maye

A Herbert comp makes sense for Maye. As Henry pointed out, the 6-foot-4, 225-pounder has elite size for the position. Size matched by Herbert’s 6-foot-6 and 236-pound frame.

Both Maye and Herbet can stand tall in the pocket in the classic fashion of traditional quarterbacks. Yet while each can make every throw at the pro level, they are also athletic and mobile enough to pick apart defenses off script, both on the ground and through the air.

Ad-libbing in the passing game means altering arm angles to make improbable throws look routine. Maye gave an ample demonstration of the growing art form when he side-armed a curving pass to wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, highlighted by Taylor Kyles of Patriots on CLNS, against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11.

Henry might have allowed himself a wry smile watching Maye improv his way to a completion and a positive gain. The veteran who was with the Chargers in 2020, got used to seeing Herbert do the same.

Unorthodox but effective plays like this touchdown pass thrown around a defender against the Denver Broncos, per Sportsbook Review’s Bobby Football, earned Herbert league-wide honors.

Chargers fans have long been used to seeing this kind of big-play flair from Herbert. Now Patriots supporters can see Maye starting to set a new bar for quarterback play in New England.

Patriots Becoming More Dynamic at QB

The Patriots have made placing more dynamic athletes on the QB depth chart at priority. Maye and a fellow cannon-armed rookie are making huge developments for a team hamstrung for too long by game-managers and limited arms.

More progress from Maye will be the key to transforming what has been a pedestrian passing game. Receivers like Henry will be the beneficiaries of Maye’a ability to strike suddenly and turn even broken plays into positive yardage.

Those qualities mean his pass-catchers have to vary how they play. Specifically, they need to be aware plays will go on for longer with Maye moving around to avoid pressure, then adjust their routes for a passer more willing to back his arm to exploit the smallest throwing windows.

Kyles illustrated how Maye occasionally “tells his receivers to play ball when asked if he prefers guys running the routes on paper or adjusting to space Pointed to this overturned Hunter Henry catch where the TE settled into space.”

Things are changing for the Patriots at quarterback in all the best ways. Maye can match Herbert’s impressive stats, but his long-term priority should be more wins and multiple playoff appearances.

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Mayo credited the sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft with making “huge development” during his debut campaign in the pros. That development owes a lot to “the Patriots virtual reality setup,” per MassLive.com’s Mark Daniels.

Milton making strides means the Patriots are getting richer at football’s most important position. Richer because third-overall pick Maye is already showing signs of being a genuine franchise quarterback.

If Maye doesn’t build on his early promise, Milton’s raw physical talents could make him a viable contingency plan.

Joe Milton III Becoming Another Option for the Future

The Pats appeared tired and bereft of ideas under center only last season. When Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe were trading reps and comparing turnovers.

A brighter future seems inevitable with Maye throwing the passes, but Milton can add to the positivity. Especially since the 24-year-old has some exciting intangibles that can’t be taught, intangibles that allowed him to quickly overtake Zappe and ultimately knock the latter off the roster.

It helped Milton showed off his awesome arm strength numerous times during preseason. Like when the former Tennessee Volunteers star threw this touchdown strike to JaQuae Jackson against the Carolina Panthers.

The trajectory and velocity Milton can generate with his throwing arm was even wowing people in warmups. Particularly ahead of the Pats facing the Washington Commanders back in late August.

Now Milton is showing enough potential for Mayo to perform an about turn on hyping the first-year signal-caller. The next thing Mayo should do is flip a pecking order that has Milton third behind Maye and veteran backup Jacoby Brissett.

The latter represents a type of cautious quarterback play the Patriots are quickly moving away from thanks to superior, more daring athletes at the position.

Drake Maye Changing QB Narrative for Patriots

Boosting his natural gifts with the aid of VR is a smart way for Milton, and there’s something fitting about technology helping improve the Patriots situation at quarterback. The team had become tethered to a more old-school, pedestrian approach.

It was best summed up by Brissett, a great teammate, but essentially a journeyman game-manager. This season’s offense was always going to be limited through the air with Brissett at the controls, but Maye is changing the narrative.

The first-year signal-caller is backing his arm to make the tough throws. Maye’s also using his core athleticism to manufacture big plays off platform.

Perhaps the best example occurred during Week 11’s 28-22 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams. When Maye altered his arm angle to uncork a pass to wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, highlighted by Zack Cox of the Boston Herald.

Plays like this earned Maye lofty praise from Mayo’s counterpart with the Rams. This throw also represents how Maye is changing expectations for Patriots quarterbacks.

Now things are defined by improv skills and the ability to turnaround losing situations with sudden, off-script plays. Maye can do that, and the Patriots will be highly fortunate if Milton proves he can do the same.

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Thornton joined the Chiefs practice squad on Monday, November 18, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, mere days after being released by the Pats.

That’s quite a turnaround for Thornton. He’s gone from being ditched by a rebuilding team with a losing record, to having the chance to catch passes from Patrick Mahomes for the winners of the last two Lombardi Trophies.

The Patriots will surely be left kicking themselves if the Chiefs are able to unlock Thornton’s raw physical talent in a way they never could. Stranger things have happened.

Chiefs Could Salvage Patriots Draft Flop

Patriots fans will likely have a chuckle at the thought of the Chiefs hoping to rely on Thornton in any capacity. They’ve seen the second-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft drop passes, struggle to bulk up and get comfortable on injured reserve.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth, though. If any team is going to tap into Thornton’s potential, it’s the Chiefs.

That potential is based on the former Baylor standout’s ability to stretch the field, both horizontally and vertically. Thornton has the speed to match Mahomes’ arm strength and fit in a Chiefs scheme built around rapid strikes to big-play threats.

The originators of the ‘Legion of Zoom‘ make sense as a fit for Thornton. What’s less clear is who the Patriots intend to trust to help them move on from a wideout who never made the grade.

Tyquan Thornton Succession Plan Remains Unclear

Exactly who are the Patriots counting on to be the field-stretcher rookie quarterback Drake Maye still needs? The Pats drafted Ja’Lynn Polk in the second round this year, hoping he’d quickly emerge as a go-to target.

Things aren’t going to plan, with head coach Jerod Mayo confirming veteran Kendrick Bourne will take on a bigger role than the rookie, per Doug Kyed of The Boston Herald: “Kendrick had a great game, and Polk is developing, and he will be a good player in this league. As the head coach of this football team we’re trying to win right now, and whoever the hot hand happens to be in that situation will play more.”

Polk’s struggles played out alongside Bourne’s ascendancy during Week 11’s 28-22 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams. The contrast showed up in the target share for each receiver, with Establish The Run’s Adam Levitan noting Bourne ran 23 routes, compared to Polk’s 15.

The heavier workloads for last season’s late-round picks Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas indicates the Patriots are still rebalancing the pecking order among their receiver corps. It’s unlikely a true No. 1 option will emerge from this disjointed group.

Finding one of those should be the priority for Mayo and de facto general manager Eliot Wolf in 2025. Until then, the Patriots will be left counting the cost of numerous draft missteps at this key position.

Thornton is the most recent among a list that also includes N’Keal Harry and Aaron Dobson. If Thornton were to make good with the Chiefs, it would be a sign the Patriots problem is not identifying receivers with talent, but developing them.

That flaw could prove fatal for the progression of Maye and what needs to be a more dynamic supporting cast.

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