New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye spoke with reporters on December 17, addressing several topics including the presence of defensive coach Terrell Williams, team resilience, and upcoming challenges against the Baltimore Ravens.
Maye described seeing Williams in the locker room as uplifting for the team. “Coach T [Terrell Williams], it’s awesome seeing him around. Anytime he’s around, it brings joy to us. It brings joy to the locker room. It brings joy to see his face, see how he’s doing. Just praying for him. He’s continuing to fight, and what a story. It’s been something for us to rally around and somebody to care about. Another thing is that it’s just bigger than football, and just props to him for seeing him in here a couple times throughout the year. It’s been cool to see.”
He added that he had developed a connection with Williams through his son during training camp and praised Williams’ ability to relate to players across teams: “Yeah, I got to know his son well. He was around training camp a lot. So, I know he’s a big hockey player. It’s been cool for Coach T, just someone on the defensive side of the ball, to be able to relate with in life. We kind of told our stories, kind of to get to know each other early on in the year, and he had a great story, coming from his background. I think he relates to the players well. Everybody that I’ve talked to from when he was in Detroit and Tennessee, everybody loves him. He’s easy to care about, and I think he’d be awesome to have around more, but obviously, he’s dealing with things that are, like I said, bigger than football.”
On overcoming losses during the NFL season and facing adversity week-to-week Maye stated: “Obviously, it stings. It stings when you don’t come up on the winning side, but what I’ve tried to learn in this league is it’s on to the next week…Just trying to play to my best ability…We’ve got a tough challenge [against] the Ravens this week.”
When asked about playing under prime time lights after being moved into such slots this season Maye responded: “That’s what you play for…Trying to be the team that people want to see at night…That’s what you want New England Patriots to be…Playing in night games that matter…and that’s what we’re building towards…”
Maye also addressed adjustments following recent games where opposing defenses found success: “I’m sure teams try do whatever other defenses try do that quote unquote stopped us or felt like worked…we’re trying work on things we can control…”
Regarding personal accolades versus team achievements Maye emphasized: “The MVP is obviously one of big accolades for this league …but at end day winning Super Bowl is biggest thing …I love winning …I’d rather win than win personal awards…”
Asked about new teammate Amari Gainer’s qualities Maye said: “Yeah I played with him my last year college …He’s good on edge …He’s fast …He’s played inside little bit …moved edge once got North Carolina …he’s going work hard…”
Discussing offensive strategy concerning deep throws versus shorter options Maye noted adapting from college style while stressing efficiency: “…moving chains being second-and-4 versus second-and-10 is better…”
On designed quarterback runs near goal line Maye explained their situational value but cautioned against overuse due opposing defenses’ awareness.
Balancing expectations as a leader within team context was another theme: “…You expect show up big games…I’ve been trying do much as can because those guys around me are great players…You don’t do things by yourself…”
Previewing Baltimore’s defense ahead of their matchup Maye declined specifics but acknowledged their mix of man and zone coverage while highlighting key Ravens defenders.
Finally when asked about reaching nearly 21 miles per hour according Next Gen Stats during TreVeyon Henderson’s touchdown run last Sunday Maye downplayed its significance humorously noting “I don’t know if that’s true or not….I’m always little faster when somebody’s chasing me or I’m trying get out front somebody.”
