Patriots Players Know They Found ‘Magnet’ In QB Drake Maye

Davon Godchaux referred to Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye as “Josh Allen 2.0.”

Mike Onwenu confidently proclaimed New England’s quarterback position is “in good hands.”

Tennessee Titans star Jeffery Simmons sought out Maye and insisted he was going to be “a hell of a player.”

The Patriots’ mostly disappointing overtime loss to the lowly Tennesse Titans confirmed the already known: New England found its franchise quarterback. The Patriots answered their most pressing preseason question. The organization found its first “magnet,” as head coach Jerod Mayo would say.

The comments from teammates and opponents made as much clear.

“I think that’s the greatest thing about Drake: He’s doing things you don’t really see at a young age,” Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne told reporters, per a team-provided transcript. “I’m very excited. I want to be better for him. I think everybody understands in our offensive room, we have (someone) that can make everybody better.”

Onwenu told reporters, per MassLive: “We were feeding off of him and it was a positive thing to see that we have such a young player playing at such a high level.”

Maye’s unique skill and playmaking were on display throughout, including his eight scrambles for 95 rushing yards and drop-in-the-bucket sideline throw to DeMario Douglas. He was New England’s entire offense and shouldered far more than his own load.

But the highlight of all highlights came on an overtime-forcing touchdown at the end of regulation. Maye drifted right, then back left, and bought 12 seconds before he lofted a pass to running back Rhamondre Stevenson. The touchdown was scored with zeros on the game clock and was broadcast all over social media within seconds.

That’s a play that will live on long after the 20-17 verdict is forgotten. It’s a play others around the league will see and take note of, similar to those by Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Allen. Is that hyperbole? Not at the moment.

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Patriots players told reporters it was like a scene from a movie. Patriots tight end Hunter Henry, who had a front-row seat to Maye’s heroics, called it “special” while Bourne called it “different.”

Maye is a special talent, they said.

“Just the way he competes. The way he plays. The way he continues to fight,” Henry told reporters, per a team-provided transcript. “I’m excited to continue to go out there and play with him.”

Maye made a few rookie mistakes (three turnovers), and the game ultimately ended on his second interception of the contest. But Maye’s rollercoaster ride brings high highs and a few lows. The 22-year-old will learn from those and benefit when he has more around him

But for now, the Patriots can rest assured knowing they answered the most important question in professional sports. And that answer should help answer other burning questions soon.