Oct 5, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) walks off the field against the Buffalo Bills after the game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Retired quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner expressed concerns about Drake Maye, the second-year quarterback for the New England Patriots, during a recent appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show.” Warner suggested that Maye tends to rely too heavily on “backyard football” instincts, which could impact his performance. Following these remarks, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels addressed Warner’s comments while speaking with reporters on Thursday.
McDaniels defended Maye’s playing style, noting that in football, it is common for players to make plays when the initial design does not work. “Well, when it works … players make plays,” he stated, according to Karen Guregian of MassLive. He elaborated that sometimes the offense’s design may not suffice, or the defense may counter the intended play, prompting the quarterback to improvise. McDaniels emphasized that this aspect of the game becomes more scrutinized when it involves the quarterback.
In the Patriots’ recent matchup against the previously unbeaten Buffalo Bills on October 1, 2023, Maye demonstrated his ability to make impactful plays. He completed an impressive 13 of 14 passes for 184 yards during the second half, contributing to New England’s narrow 23-20 victory. The game concluded with Andres Borregales kicking a game-winning field goal with just 15 seconds remaining in regulation.
Despite Warner’s caution that Maye needs to maintain a consistent presence in the pocket, McDaniels remains unconcerned about the quarterback’s off-script tendencies. “Hopefully it ends in a play that either doesn’t hurt us, or we have an opportunity to extend the drive,” he explained. McDaniels acknowledged that while Maye has made several good decisions, there are moments when it is prudent for him to throw the ball away, a practice the young quarterback has employed effectively.
As of now, Maye ranks seventh in the NFL with a combined total of 1,371 passing and rushing yards this season and is tied for tenth with nine combined touchdowns. The Patriots are poised to build on this momentum as they prepare to face the New Orleans Saints (1-4) this Sunday. The Patriots enter the matchup with a 3-2 record and are favored by 3.5 points according to ESPN BET.
With Maye continuing to develop in his role, both he and McDaniels will be looking to solidify their strategies and address any concerns as they aim for further success in the season ahead.
