ORCHARD PARK, NY – A week ago, there it was controversial about the Patriots’ decision not to call designed plays for quarterback Drake Maye.
The lack of plays for the older quarterback was highlighted when the Patriots failed on third-and-1 and fourth-and-1 at the goal line in their loss to Arizona. last week, noted Alex Van Pelt the Patriots didn’t call Maye running plays because they were “focused on keeping him out of harm’s way and getting through these last three games healthy.”
The offensive coordinator even admitted it would be different if the Patriots were fighting for a playoff spot.
That tune changed on Sunday.
The Patriots offensive coordinator called several run plays designed for Maye al team loss to the Buffalo Bills. Maye finished with six carries for 30 yards.
“For us, we thought it was the best thing for the football team,” Jerod Mayo said when asked about the calls. “He can make plays with his legs and he did today.”
When asked why it was best for the football team, Mayo replied, “We’re always looking for ways to win.”
After the game, Maye said he was in favor of being used in this way.
“I’m a big 6’5 guy who can pick up a yard and beat somebody with some speed. I think people underestimate me a little bit,” Maye said. “I think it helps us offensively to move the chains. Right now, we need some help, whether it’s in short yards or in different areas like in the red zone because can go play.”
It was a very different approach than we’ve seen from the Patriots this season. Maye entered this week with 42 rushing attempts for 359 yards. However, almost all of them came with the rookie quarterback choosing to struggle.
After Maye suffered a concussion against the New York Jets in Week 8, it appeared the Patriots would try to keep the young quarterback safe. However, after Van Pelt admitted that last week, the offensive coordinator changed course against the Bills.
In the second quarter, on first and goal, the first designed running play was called. Maye did not gain any yards and Hunter Henry was flagged for holding. Rhamondre Stevenson scored on the next snap. Later in the quarter, when starting at the 1-yard line, a quarterback was called to give the offense more breathing room. Maye gained a yard on that play.
In the second half, Maye ran the ball three times, picking up two first downs. On fourth-and-1, Maye ran 13 yards. Then, on second-and-1, the quarterback gained 2 yards.
“One of the goal lines should cut it. It was smooth out there. I couldn’t really feel my feet,” Maye said. “It was an opportunity for us to pick up first downs. I had a big one at the end there around the edge. Other than that, I think there is a time for it. At the same time, I think I’m making plays, I think I burn out enough and make some plays.”
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