New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye stuck up for wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk, as the rookie continues to struggle.
Polk had a false start penalty that proved to be crucial during the Week 11 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The penalty occurred on a fourth-and-inches play late in the fourth quarter, which forced the Patriots to kick a field goal instead of having an opportunity to go for it.
Polk did not record a single catch or a target in the game. He has 11 catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns on the season. It isn’t exactly the start the team had in mind when using a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft on him.
Despite the early struggles, Maye still has confidence in Polk to figure things out.
“Just keep going. I think he’s gonna be a great player in this league. He’s a rookie, like myself. We’re going to have some good games as Patriots together,” Maye told media members. “So looking forward to keeping him going, and I think he’s getting thrown in there different times and throwing in to block some. I think he’s gotta pick up some little things, but he’s a great player and I need to find a way to get him the football.”
Polk has struggled on a Patriots team that needs all of the help it can get at the wide receiver position. His development and progression as a second-round draft pick will be important for the team’s future.
