Ex-NFL QB issues 5-word warning about Josh McDaniels for Drake Maye under Patriots OC
Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky has some concerns for New England Patriots signal-caller Drake Maye with the addition of Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator.
Recently, it was announced that the Patriots named Mike Vrabel as their next head coach. Soon after, it was also announced that New England had hired Josh McDaniels to return as the team's offensive coordinator. Maye was selected third overall by the Patriots in last year's NFL Draft. They're hoping to move forward with him as the future of their franchise under Vrabel.
Recently, Orlovsky took to Twitter to share a graphic showcasing how McDaniels had the Las Vegas Raiders ranked in various offensive categories during his tenure as the club's head coach. The squad ranked towards the bottom of the league in play action percentage, shotgun percentage, and motion at snap percentage.
Drake Maye looks to build off rookie season with the New England Patriots
While Orlovsky raises some valid concerns with McDaniels' track record, having Maye being coached under Vrabel is certainly a bright spot. Vrabel had a rather successful run with the Tennessee Titans before being fired as the team's head coach. A move that many criticized as it's widely believed the Titans' struggles at the time didn't have as much to do with coaching as it did the talent that was on the field.
During his rookie year with the Patriots, Maye eventually relieved veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett from the starting role and made his first start against the Houston Texans, where he threw for 243 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in a 41-21 defeat.
He finished the season with 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The North Carolina product is also a threat on the ground as he managed 421 rushing yards to go along with two scores. He finished his rookie season with a record of 3-9 as a starter. While he struggled at times he certainly showed some flashes of potential, which is exactly what the Patriots are hoping to get with the 22-year-old under Vrabel.
Of course, the Patriots will have a lot of work to do before they can return to their former glory, where they won six Super Bowls with the dynamic duo of quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick. Perhaps if the Patriots are able to surround Maye with the right pieces, he and Vrabel will be able to replicate similar success in the years to come.