After a mostly overlooked performance on day one of training camp, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye had a much more exciting showing on Thursday, despite the drills he was working through not being the most thrilling for onlookers.
It was the first real example of Josh McDaniels' return to Foxboro, as the offense prioritized getting the football out quickly and taking what you can get on the play. Maye impressed with his quickness and efficiency, with just one incompletion, which was actually a fumbled snap, ending the day 14/15 receptions.
ESPN's Mike Reiss credited the second-year quarterback for his performance and mentioned the importance of the drill implemented by McDaniels as a way to cut down on the interceptions that plagued Maye's rookie season.
Initial thought after 2nd practice: This was a get-the-ball-out-quick and take-the-profit day for QB Drake Maye. Probably not too exciting for those in attendance, but part of Maye’s game that could be critical in lowering INT count.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 24, 2025
Third-string QB Ben Wooldridge shows up.
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McDaniels' familiarity with Maye's rookie season is crucial to properly preparing the quarterback for the upcoming season. Working on his biggest weaknesses as early as possible is also essential, especially given the numerous changes made to the roster in just one offseason.
Josh McDaniels is going to be more influential on Drake Maye's career than most realize
Despite the mixed reactions to Mike Vrabel's decision to bring back McDaniels as the Patriots' offensive coordinator, there are many reasons to be excited about what he can do with the team's next franchise quarterback, and we're already seeing the impact he's making.
Given that he has worked with the greatest quarterback of all time, Tom Brady, and helped make mostly average-looking players into superstars in New England, even helping Mac Jones lead an underwhelming offense to the playoffs, there's plenty of reason to believe more can be accomplished with a quarterback like Maye.
We're already seeing the importance of fundamentals emphasized in practice, even during OTAs and mini camp. Maye is working through drills that will build his confidence while also helping him overcome overthinking or trying to do too much, which he often attempted to do as a rookie. Although that was admirable given the roster he was working with, it led to too many avoidable turnovers.
McDaniels more than understands how important it is to rid the quarterback of that tendency, hence why he had him working on getting the football out fast and efficiently on Thursday. And it likely won't be the last time we see that drill this summer.