"I’m not really rooting for his development": Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel delivers verdict on Drake Maye after Miami's win over Patriots
Mike McDaniel didn't sugarcoat his words when speaking about New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Speaking at the podium after the Miami Dolphins' 34–15 outing vs. the Pats on Sunday, he was asked about his assessment of the opponent's QB.
McDaniel praised Maye and his "ownership" of the game. He was especially impressed by the rookie QB's ability to extend plays and "make teams pay" when guarded, which the Dolphins HC admitted was a "problem." However, he did say that he was not rooting for Maye.
"He’ll continue to make plays as he gets better and better in the pocket. It’s a guy that honestly, I’m not really rooting for his development — being in the division. But, I can appreciate the player," McDaniel said, via Carlos Talks Pats.
McDaniel said that since the Dolphins and the Pats are in the same division, they would clash twice every season. That could be a problem for the Dolphins if Maye kept improving his craft.
McDaniel also said that the Patriots have a great player as QB. The Dolphins will continue working on getting better at shutting him down so they can win whenever they clash.
The Pats may have finally found their franchise QB in Maye, who could succeed Tom Brady after failed experiments with Mac Jones and veteran QB Jacoby Brissett.
Mike McDaniel uses his daughter to shield himself from tough questions
Even though the Dolphins won and there would be no real tough questions, HC McDaniel still brought his little daughter to the presser. His justification? The reporters would be nicer to him in front of his daughter.
“I figured you guys would be nicer to me if my daughter was here,” McDaniel joked. “Alright, ask me anything you want.”
One of the reporters took the joke forward and asked McDaniel why he was such a good dad, to which he said that he would like more questions from him.
Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni had tried the same tactic in a similar situation. The Eagles had won a close 20–16 game against the Cleveland Browns but lost two of the previous three games, and Siranni must've anticipated tough questions despite the Browns' victory.
Can the Dolphins extend their three-game winning streak when they take on the Green Bay Packers next week?