ESPN’s Mike Reiss reports that Patriots players believe QB Drake Maye is taking “ownership of the offense” in his second season with OC Josh McDaniels.

24 May 2026

Reiss spoke with TE Hunter Henry and former Patriots QB Brian Hoyer about how McDaniels’ scheme “demands a lot” from the quarterback position. As simple as it sounds, learning the “what” under McDaniels can happen quickly. Learning the “why” takes time. Hoyer notes that reports on Maye’s development last spring and summer were hardly glowing, but the young quarterback made strides in-season and defenses had a harder time fooling him with “different looks, fronts and blitzes” as the season progressed. Patriots newcomers, FB Reggie Gilliam and WR Romeo Doubs, are reportedly impressed with Maye’s mastery of the offense as well. Maye was the MVP runner-up last year, completing 72% of his passes and finishing as the overall QB2 in total fantasy points. Continued development only reinforces his spot in the QB1 tier’s highest echelon.