Drake Maye Postgame Press Conference 8/26

Here’s the full transcript of New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye’s press conference after their loss to the Commanders Sunday night:

On the fact it looked like he took another step forward tonight:

“I think it felt good being out there.  I think the biggest thing is just hurting ourselves offensively, stalling drives with penalties. I got to get us out of the huddle probably faster.  Other than that. I had a snap on the ground, just little things like that. Got to clean up, but at the same time, it’s a good learning experience for us and get ready for when things start counting.”

On the fact he wowed all of New England on the play that got called back and take us through that play where he hit K.J. Osborn:

“Yeah, I think they went cloud. We kind of had a high, low concept to the left. I was trying to work backside and ended up getting outside of the pocket. I think it would have been close if I passed the line. It was definitely real close. I’m not sure what the TV copy looked like. But KJ just making a play and it’s a bummer it got called back, but just the same thing, just hurting ourselves and in a two-minute drive. Can’t do that.”

On the fact they went right down the field on that first drive and what was working for them:

“I think the guys were just doing their jobs. I think that’s the biggest thing, executing plays that we practice week. Finding guys, my job is to get the ball to them. Again, backed up and we had a low snap and probably should have caught it. I think we were second and 18 from there. Just can’t shoot ourselves in the foot. Little things like that against a good football team. We got lucky tonight, so just got to start better.”

On how much different he feels now compared to when training camp started:

“I think it’s been an awesome training camp. Not only to get to see our defense, but to mix in other defenses and go out there playing and feel like getting hit. I think we’re getting there. I think it’s been fun out there with some of the rooks. J. P. made plays the night. I’m sitting over here in the corner. Just get some of the rookies together. Finally, Layden was in at right guard, so just mulling, finding our groove. It’s been an awesome camp, and it’s been tough, too. Our rookie season has been long. We’ve been going at it since before the draft. Just looking forward to getting to see what the NFL season is like.”

On the fact it looked like he got jostled and got stepped on and if he can tell us what was happening there:

“Yeah, I’m just trying to secure the snap. I got to get out of there. But also, I think the big dude, the nose tackle, I think 91 was his number. He’s a good player. So I got to get out of there faster. Nick’s doing a heck of a job of fighting in there, so I could get away from center.”

On what the issue was on the fumbled snap:

“Yeah. I just think when you practice pre-game and over on the sideline, it’s a little different than when somebody’s up right against you. So we figured something out and I think on the sideline after that first drive, and from there on, it just felt good.”

On the completion to Ja’Lynn Polk, what he saw there on that:

“Yeah, I just had a high-low crossing concept. J. P. Did a nice job weaving through traffic, and I have to try to give him a good ball and catch and run from there. So I think he does a nice job mixing up different spots with J. P, playing outside-inside when we’re inside at night, and does a good job of getting open. So my job is to give him the rock and let him do his thing.”

On if he feels like he’d feel ready to play Week one if he was asked:

“Yeah, I think I would feel ready. I think I’m ready for whatever this football team asks of me and ready to get out there and try to help us beat the Bengals, week one.”

On the fact he mentioned getting in and out of the huddle and how much he thinks he’s improved in terms of operation:

“Yeah, I think commanding the huddle is a huge thing for a quarterback. I think I’m getting there. I try to improve every week. I think one thing, on the sideline, one of the offensive linemen said I’d just go in there, and I speak real fast. I kind of do here with the media, too. I just got to slow down sometimes. Just hearing the play and look around. Like I said, a little command of the huddle. But other than that, I feel like I have my eyes on play clock well and just hurrying guys up to try to get to play off.”

On with 20 camp practices, 20-point season games, what has he learned now, basically, as he gets ready:

“Yeah. The biggest thing playing, probably, I learned is just next play mentality. Whether it’s a good play, a bad play, a play you wish you had back. I had a few of those tonight. Let’s move on to the next play. It’s a next play type league. It’s next week type league. In the NFL is what I’m learning. Other than that, just enjoy it. Have fun. It’s sad, but the reality is some of these guys, especially these rookies, are going to be gone come next week. Just enjoy those days with those guys. Creating great memories and enjoy the times out here with the fellas.”

On last week, you mentioned just pre-snap, the tools at your disposal, especially to handle pressure and things like that, and how he feels like he’s come along in that area:

“Yeah, I think it’s huge in this offense, especially when we’re not out here in preseason with some vanilla looks, especially pressure-wise. I feel like I’m a smart kid. I did a lot of protection stuff in college. Me and my center, it was all on us protection-wise. I feel like we did a good job not having free runners back there, but it’s a different kind of league here now. They try to scheme you up. So yeah, definitely the tools, different tools to protect myself and really protect the offense. I feel like I’m getting there. I’ve done a few of them in practice, so I’m working through them and see different looks each week.”

(Editor’s Note: This transcript is done via the available footage and is subject to typos.  If you spot something, please take a moment to let me know in the comments below.)

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