Drake Maye's shoulder situation has become a hot topic after he was listed on Week 4's injury report, prompting Mike Vrabel comments. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels chimed in, acknowledging the situation while Patriots legend Rob Gronkowski also offered a take on Maye.
Maye's confidence has been questioned after a rough start to the season, something Gronkowski acknowledged in an interview with Rotowire.
“They're just kind of forcing it too much. I feel like they have a lot of pressure on the table, and the pressure is getting to them. They just got to relax, play ball. Drake Maye just has to go back in the pocket and just do what he does. His confidence isn't there. He needs to rebuild that confidence,” Gronkowski said.
The legendary Pats tight end said that the offensive problems aren't just Maye's fault, adding that he believes going through these struggles could make him a better quarterback in the long run. The receivers' struggles were also mentioned.
Article Continues Below“Wide receivers need to step up as well,” Gronkowski added. “They got to get open. They got to put some more cushion where he can throw the ball instead of putting it in a tight window every single time.”
The Patriots' defense has stepped up at times amid Maye's struggles but whiffed big-time in a 35-6 loss to the Jaguars in Week 3. Injuries to Christian Barmore and Christian Gonzalez look rough heading into Week 4 at Buffalo, adding more pressure to Maye and his offensive teammates.
Gronkowski's comments on Maye were more than fair. Now it's time for Maye to show his leadership skills, both on and off the field, with the Patriots' status as possible Super Bowl contenders in danger of slipping.