Patriots Wideout Has Enthusiastic Reaction After Move To Drake Maye
FOXBORO, Mass. -- Jerod Mayo sensed the offense needed a lift.
New England Patriots wideout Kendrick Bourne is among those optimistic rookie quarterback Drake Maye can provide it.
"Yeah, obviously, Jerod (Mayo) believes that Drake gives us the best chance to win so I believe in that," Bourne said at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday. "I guess it's time, and that's how they feel."
Patriots coaches and teammates lauded Maye, who received 30% of first-team reps in practice, in recent weeks. Following the news that Maye was replacing veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, Bourne's sentiments mirrored many of his teammates.
"He's poised. I think he's really confident, and that's what I like to see," Bourne said. "When we do walk throughs and things like that, he sounds confident, feels confident. In the huddle, he seems confident. That's what we need. He's our new leader, and that's who we're following. So I think just confidence is the biggest thing."
Not to be overshadowed, though, are Maye's on-field traits. Bourne said Maye has eye-popping athleticism to go along with his arm strength, both of which Patriots fans saw during the preseason.
"His athleticism is actually impressive," Bourne said. "I didn't think he was that fast. I think his 40 might be faster, which is kind of bad. He's just impressive what he can do and escape the pocket. I think he has a good pocket presence, feel. Sometimes the line is going to lose, sometimes we're going to lose at receiver so he can help. ... I think those traits he has will help us."
Bourne wasn't subject to the same struggles his teammates were the first four weeks. He spent the first four games on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list after he recovered from a knee injury. But Bourne, who re-upped with the team this offseason, took the field during the woeful offensive display against the Miami Dolphins in Week 5.
The Patriots' offense struggled in front of Brissett. They allowed the highest pressure rate in the league and rank among the worst in the league in pass protection metrics. Brissett was under consistent duress during his five starts. New England ranks second to last in points scored and total yards this season.
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The organization clearly is hoping Maye will overcome the deficiencies around him and provide a much-needed boost. Mayo said he felt Brissett was the best choice to start Week 1, but now thinks Maye gives the Patriots their best chance to win.
Mayo might not be alone.
"Everybody's just excited to see what he can do, and just believing in him, helping him be the best he can be," Bourne said. "I mean, he's top three for a reason. There's something there."