Without diving too much into the Patriots' offensive play calling from their Week 15 loss to the Cardinals, there was one moment that felt like an obvious decision for offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt to make, but he didn't.
The offense went for it on 4th and 1, handing the football to running back Rhamondre Stevenson, but came up short and turned it over on downs. While the decision to go for it was well received by fans, given the team's position and their past hesitancy to do so, the choice of handing the ball off instead of going for a quarterback sneak made most unhappy, especially when you have a quarterback like Drake Maye under center.
It's not just that they have a competent player leading the offense; it's because he's a bigger guy (6-foot-4) who should easily be able to get a first down on a sneak play.
It's not something the Patriots have done this season, but it was a big part of Maye's repertoire at UNC. When asked about it after the loss, he made it clear, without completely throwing Alex Van Pelt under the bus, that he was ready to make that play, which should be a big hint to his offensive coordinator moving forward.
Drake Maye further proves he is willing to do anything it takes to help the Patriots win games
Reporters were quick to ask the rookie about the play call and how he would have felt if he had been asked to keep the ball and get the first down. Maye responded directly, making it clear he succeeded at the play in college. He also tried to avoid blaming Van Pelt for the decision by complimenting Stevenson in the same breath.
“I was a good quarterback-sneaker in college. I’m a big dude, I’m heavier than people think. So I think maybe there’s a conversation for that. I think it’s tough to stop a 6-5 dude for one yard.
But at the same time, Rhamondre is pretty dang good at getting one yard as well. It’s unfortunate that it happened. But there’s a time and place for it.”
While he's not wrong about Stevenson's ability to make big plays, it is nice to hear the rookie publicly say he is capable and more than willing to do what it takes to keep the chains moving, including a quarterback sneak. It's not just his willingness, either. It's also his confidence in being successful if the play was called that makes him an even better player to lead the franchise from this season on.
It would be great if Van Pelt heard what Maye had to say and would take it into account the next time they decide to go for it on a fourth and short play, which hasn't happened often this season. Clearly, Maye is prepared to do so, and there's no harm in trying it.