ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – A week ago, there was controversy over the Patriots decision to not call designed run plays for quarterback Drake Maye.
The lack of run plays for the bigger quarterback was put into focus when the Patriots failed on third-and-1 and fourth-and-1 at the goal line in their loss to Arizona. Last week, Alex Van Pelt noted the Patriots weren’t calling run plays for Maye because they were “focused on keeping him out of harm’s way and getting through these last three games healthy.”
The offensive coordinator even admitted that it would be different if the Patriots were fighting for a playoff spot.
That tune changed on Sunday.
The Patriots offensive coordinator called several different designed run plays for Maye in the team’s loss to the Buffalo Bills. Maye finished with six carries for 30 yards.
“For us, we thought that was best for the football team,” Jerod Mayo said when asked about the run calls. “He can make plays with his legs and he did that today.”
When asked why that was the best thing for the football team, Mayo replied, “We’re always looking for ways to win.”
After the game, Maye said he was in favor of being used in that fashion.
“I’m a big 6′5 dude who can pick up a yard and beat somebody with some speed. I think people underestimate me a little bit,” Maye said. “I think it helps us offensively to move the chains. At this point, we need some help whether it’s short yardage or different areas like in the red zone for me to go make a play.”
It was a very different approach than what we’ve seen from the Patriots this season. Maye came into this week with 42 rushing attempts for 359 yards. However, nearly all of those came with the rookie quarterback opting to scramble.
After Maye suffered a concussion against the New York Jets in Week 8, it appeared as though the Patriots were trying to keep the young quarterback out of harm’s way. However, after Van Pelt admitted that last week, the offensive coordinator changed course against the Bills.
In the second quarter, on first-and-goal, the first designed run play was called. Maye didn’t gain any yards and Hunter Henry was flagged for holding. Rhamondre Stevenson scored on the next snap. Later in that quarter, when starting at the 1-yard line, a quarterback sneak was called to give the offense more breathing room. Maye gained a yard on that play.
In the second half, Maye ran the ball three times, picking up two first downs. On fourth-and-1, Maye ran for 13 yards. Then on second-and-1, the quarterback gained 2 yards.
“One of the goal lines should cut it up. It was slick out there. Couldn’t really feel my feet,” Maye said. “It was a chance for us to pick up first downs. Had a big one at the end there around the edge. Other than that, I think there’s a time for it. At the same time, I think me making plays, I think I scramble enough and make some plays.”
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