Patriots’ Drake Maye Shoulders Some Blame For Wideout’s Struggles

It’s been a rough few weeks for Patriots wide receiver ja’Lynn Polk.

The second-round draft pick has just two catches on 13 targets for 17 total yards in New England’s last three losses and failed to reel in a single catch in the Patriots’ abysmal loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London last weekend.

While the rookie has been unproductive on the field, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye isn’t allowing his teammate to shoulder all the blame.

“We built a connection early during camp and during the summer, I felt like we had it going,” Maye told reporters, per team-provided transcript. “… It’s only our second game out there together, and I feel like we’ve left some plays out there, both ball placement-wise and I’m sure he’d like to have some plays back himself.”

The Washington product is at a crossroads after head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters that the Patriots not only “need more from Polk” going forward, but the rookie also needed to overcome the “mental hump” he faced. Maye is taking the opposite approach with his fellow draft classmate.

“I think just pump him up,” Maye said. “I think that’s the biggest thing you can do, especially a guy coming in the same class. … I think it’s just building camaraderie, and I think we’re going to get there. I don’t think it’s a matter of if, I think it’s a matter of when.”

Maye added: “I think me and JP relate with we’ve both been working football nonstop since the end of the college season. Sometimes, all the veterans talk about the rookie wall you hit, and you just continue to get over that hump, find each and everyday ways to be excited about coming here and playing football and playing in the NFL.

“I think going back to that, and looking at the bigger picture with JP and (Javon Baker) and those young guys. … I think that’s a reminder of this is what we dreamed of, and the dream doesn’t stop now. I think of just getting back to work.”

Unfortunately for the 22-year-old wideout, the Patriots may have to wait a tad bit longer since Polk was placed in concussion protocol and ruled out of Wednesday’s practice ahead of Sunday’s home game against the Jets.