New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is impressing during offseason workouts as he gets immersed in Josh McDaniels' system.
By all accounts, the second-year quarterback has flashed in recent sessions, including Monday's mandatory minicamp practice.
"I'm starting to really find a stride," Maye said, via the team's official website. "It's all the same concepts in the league, but it's different words, different verbiage. It's mostly the same guys running [routes], but just feeling out how they run it and timing when you get into different concepts. It's been good."
There were some early-offseason hiccups, but Maye has been getting a grasp of McDaniels' scheme, which should fit the QB well.
"Coach does a great job of getting guys in matchups and letting them win. I'm looking forward to doing that," Maye said. "I have to do my part of getting guys lined up, playing the right side [of the field], and just doing my part of taking what's open."
There remain questions regarding the Pats' offense, including whether the blocking will improve significantly after last year's disaster and how the receiver room will shake out.
There's little doubt that McDaniels' return to Foxborough is a positive for the young quarterback. He might have crashed and burned as head coach in Las Vegas, but McDaniels can call an offense.
The key in New England will be Maye taking a leap forward in Year 2. The surroundings are unequivocally improved. Now, it's on the young passer to make the most of it on the field and as a leader in the locker room.
"Last year, being a rookie, trying to come in here and earn my stripes, earn my keep through hard work. This year, it's the same approach," Maye said. "We have new guys in here, new staff. I have to keep getting to know everybody and show my work ethic. From there, try to take the next step in leadership and leading the offense."
