New England has not used Drake Maye in the designed run game.
One of the New England Patriots main goals with three games left in their season is simple: keep rookie quarterback Drake Maye healthy.
That likely means continuing to not use Maye’s athleticism in the designed quarterback run game, outside of a potential quarterback sneak in short yardage situations.
“I think we can [quarterback] sneak with Drake. He’s done it in the past. I’m not fearful of that as much. Really just focusing on keeping him out of harm’s way and getting him through these last three games healthy,” offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said Thursday.
“That’s really what it comes too. It’s about developing our quarterback. I think we all feel very confident in his abilities. At the same time, I’d hate to lose him and not let him finish out the season by using him in a way where if we didn’t need to, then we didn’t have to. So, that’s kind of my thought on that.”
Using Maye’s mobility has been a hot topic since a loss to the Arizona Cardinals, specifically after the Patriots were stuffed on a pair of third- and fourth-and-one runs up the middle. Maye’s legs — or at the least the threat of such — could help open up the offense, but also comes with higher risk of injury.
New England saw that first hand back in Week 7 when Maye was knocked out of a game with a head injury he suffered on a scramble. That’s something Van Pelt has seen elsewhere throughout his coaching career.
“I’ve been around the quarterback run game in Cleveland and we lost our quarterback for the year,” Van Pelt added as he lost Deshaun Watson to a season-ending injury during the 2023 season. “I know what it entails, I know what comes with that. There is a big risk that’s involved.”
While not taking the risk of running Maye when eliminated from playoff contention is understandable, New England’s use of Maye should change starting next season to best use their quarterbacks ability. The advantage the quarterback’s mobility can provide will be seen on the other sideline this week with the Buffalo Bills, who’s run game revolves around Josh Allen.
With what New England hopes will be a more competitive team next season, Van Pelt acknowledged the door would then be open for Maye to get involved in the ground game.
“Absolutely,” he responded when asked if a different record would invite calling more deigned runs. “There’s no question if it’s third-and-two and we’re trying to get to a playoff spot then we’re going to use every means necessary to get those plays to put our guys in the best position.
“Again, if it’s a playoff situation or it’s a got-to-have-it to win the game, possibly. But when that comes up, we’ll make that determination.”