Drake Maye’s connection with Hunter Henry growing on and off the field

The pair have developed into an integral part of the Patriots offense.

Drake Maye’s connection with tight end Hunter Henry has been obvious on the field.

Since the rookie quarterback took over in Week 6, Henry ranks fourth among all tight ends with 52 targets — hauling in 32 for 394 receiving yards to lead all New England Patriots pass catchers as he’s established himself as perhaps Maye’s go-to target.

That connection between the two has even extended off the field — and most recently to the press conference podium on Wednesday, as the duo took the stage together before Maye shared what Henry has meant to him.

“It’s been huge,” Maye responded when asked how having Henry has helped his development. “I think just as much on the field as off the field. I think we’re starting to see things the same on the field, starting to see things kind of before they happen.”

The trust Maye has for the veteran tight end is evident, as seen this past week in Buffalo. On the first third-down of the game, Maye stood in against pressure to find Henry — releasing the ball before the tight end was even out of his break.

They later then ended the game with a touchdown connection on another anticipatory pass from the quarterback.

“It’s just awesome having I think one of the best tight ends in the league playing for the Patriots here in my first year,” Maye said. “I think you’ve kind of seen this season what he’s meant to this team. Every week he shows up in the run game, shows up in the pass game, in the huddle when I’m forgetting plays.

“Just little things after that so, he means the world to this team. And we have a lot of great veterans on this team.”

The connection between the two has helped spark a career-year for the 30-year old tight end as Henry’s 66 receptions and 674 receiving yards are both single-season bests.

Working with rookie quarterbacks is nothing new for Henry, who’s first season in New England came in 2021 after the Patriots drafted Mac Jones. Henry also began his career in Los Angeles and was with the team when they drafted Justin Herbert.

Herbert, who the Patriots will get an up-close look at this week as the Los Angeles Chargers travel to Foxboro, was a popular draft comparison for Maye due to their similar size and physical skillsets. Beyond the on the field attributes, Maye, who has made sure to ask Henry about their time together, sees some other comparisons to him in Herbert.

“He seems like a great leader,” Maye said. “I think you see that and see think a little bit same personality as me. Kind of you more quiet and kind of earn the guys respect. I think you see [his personality] coming out more and more of the stuff you see of the Chargers. He means a lot to that offense and you can see what he does making plays with his feet.

“I think the biggest thing is he’s just consistent. He doesn’t turn the ball over and he just does a good job of moving the football and finding ways to win.”