Hoyer: One word summarizes Drake Maye's season debut for Patriots
Hoyer: One word summarizes Drake Maye's season debut for Patriots originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Brian Hoyer isn't losing confidence in Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, but he also knows New England's season-opening loss wasn't a stellar start for the second-year signal-caller.
I think it was just inconsistent," Hoyer said on The Quick Snap Podcast released Wednesday. That would be the biggest word that (I'd use)."
The Quick Snap Podcast: How can Patriots bounce back against Dolphins? Pop Douglas talks nicknames & WR room | Listen & Subscribe | Watch on YouTubeHoyer acknowledged Maye might've been dealing with the jitters that come with the first game of the season. It was his first game with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, too, a play-caller Hoyer is quite familiar with himself. However, that inconsistency is something Maye undoubtedly will need to clean up.
I know because I played for Josh (McDaniels) and Josh would always talk to us as quarterbacks: You've got to be consistent,'" said Hoyer, who spent six seasons with McDaniels across stints in New England and Las Vegas. Because when you're up and down, anybody can have 10 to 15 really good plays in a game, but as a quarterback, we touch the ball on every single play. You've got to just try to be more consistent."
Hoyer noted Maye's footwork stood out to him while he watched the tape. The third-and-8 incompletion to DeMario Douglas on New England's first drive was a product of Maye's feet being too close together after he moved up in the pocket, Hoyer said.
His feet were just a little off," Hoyer said. So, I saw that a little bit. I don't think that's so much scheme. I think it's just repetition and making sure, look, the live bullets are flying."
There were positives to glean from Maye's day, too.
I would say, from after the first drive until he threw that interception, I thought he played really well," Hoyer said.
Hoyer highlighted the back-shoulder throw to Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, which went for 24 yards on third-and-10 in the first quarter. It was arguably Maye's best throw of the day as it found the zone and led Boutte away from danger. It also put New England just outside the red zone and Maye proceeded to find Douglas for a touchdown five plays later.
The 27-yard pass from Maye to tight end Hunter Henry, which was the longest play of the day for the hosts, was another Hoyer loved.
There was a lot of great plays, a lot of decisive throws," Hoyer said. So, to me, it just boils down to consistency."
Also in this episode:
- Takeaways from Week 1 loss against Raiders.
- Defense takes different approach.
- Moving on to Miami!
- DeMario Douglas joins The Quick Snap Podcast.