The New England Patriots are not treating Drake Maye like a backup quarterback because he is not your average backup quarterback.

During the team’s season-opening victory over the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday, CBS’ Evan Washburn provided some insight into New England’s strategy, noting that Maye will get “30% of the first-team reps” during practice sessions all season long.

When questioned about the report on Friday, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo did everything but refute it.

“That is unquestionably true. It’s not a secret. According to team-provided footage, Mayo stated, “We have a quarterback in the wings that needs to continue to develop.” Typically, the backup receives zero reps while the starter receives, say, 95% of the reps. This is a tiny bit unique. We also had a discussion. How can we? The challenge, I suppose, is how to continue developing Drake, the guy in the background, while still getting your starting quarterback ready for the game. Like a 70/30 split, you hit the nail on the head.

And we gave it a lot of thought. Additionally, we discussed Drake’s development plan. That’s a component of it. I also try not to get too far into the specifics of that plan. However, he continues to work out with the starters. Additionally, he performs admirably on the show team. He’s performing admirably, and it’s evident that his confidence is still rising.”

It is also alleged that Maye is working on more than just standard scout team reps because he isn’t informed about the defense’s strategy against him. What is meant by that? In essence, New England is playing him against and with as many people as possible to get as many live reps as possible.

Maye will continue to be given more opportunities to grow than most guys in his position until the Patriots call his number.

In opposition to the formidable Seahawks defense, the Patriots wish to “fight fire with fire.”

On Sunday, the New England Patriots will pay tribute to their Super Bowl XLIX squad—a appropriate opponent being the Seattle Seahawks, whom they upset in a thrilling final. But it’s clear that within the past ten years, both brands have seen significant changes.

Nevertheless, the 2024 Seahawks do have a feel a little bit like the current team because they feature what may be one of the best defenses in the NFL. No, they haven’t quite reached “Legion of Boom” status under first-year head coach and former defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens Mike Macdonald. It still has an abundance of skill on all three levels.

Consequently, it will pose a serious threat to the Patriots offense, which managed just 16 points in their season-opening victory in Cincinnati last week. Also, they are aware of it.

“Everyone poses a threat,” stated Jerod Mayo, the head coach. The unidentified rushers are actually what really set the Baltimore defense apart when it comes to known rushers. You have no idea who might visit. Defensive ends are abandoned. They engage in activities like zone blitzing and deep field protection, which are a lot like some of the things we do as well.

“They have a lot of good players and they have always had a good defense.”

The Seahawks defense shut down the Denver Broncos and their rookie quarterback, Bo Nix, last week. In a 26-20 victory, it recorded three interceptions, limited Nix to just 138 passing yards on 49 dropbacks (two sacks and five scrambles), and allowed just one late touchdown.

Seattle showed up to play, whether it was in the front seven or the secondary. Running backs coach Taylor Embree said that the Patriots are hoping to accomplish the same thing on Sunday.

They have a formidable defense. Particularly the secondary guys, those guys fly around,” Embree remarked. “Hey guys, go out there and fight fire with fire,” is my message to the running backs. After matching their level of intensity, add some.

In their first-round matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals, the Patriots’ running attack was a major factor in their triumph. On paper, though, the Seahawks offer a different kind of opponent.

They boast one of the better defensive lines in the NFL, led by disruptive edge rusher Boye Mafe and sturdy defensive tackle Leonard Williams.

Up front, Alex Van Pelt, the offensive coordinator, observed, “it’s a stout bunch.” “Those are large men. Additionally, the organization has experience. That defensive line is highly experienced. That, in my opinion, is perhaps this defense’s strongest point up front. It will undoubtedly be difficult for us to start running the ball against a strong front.

Running after the ball will only be one aspect of the task, Van Pelt continued. After some inconsistent play in the season opener, Seattle will also look to challenge New England’s pass defense.

The first-year OC for New England stated, “There are protection issues.” “They perform admirably. It is clear that the plan is effective. We will need to make certain decisions regarding protection. It concerns the one-on-one matches, though. They have some good players, and they want to put your line in 1-on-1 situations. We will have a good task in the pass protection this week.

The Patriots’ offensive line’s precarious state makes things more difficult. Due to an ankle problem, left guard Sidy Sow is listed as doubtful to play in a second straight game in the injury report released on Thursday. Due to a shoulder injury, right guard Layden Robinson was added as a limited participant.

But even with everyone on deck, the Seahawks defense would still be a formidable challenge, and the squad is still anticipating it, according to Embree.

“This will be a fun game.” He remarked, “It will be a fun game.” “A resilient defense. They take off and land. They appear to be enjoying themselves while filming the new system. Now go fight fire with fire, baby.