Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel had nothing but good things to say about New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, after handing the Patriots a 34-15 loss on Sunday.
Miami’s defense kept the Patriots offense at bay throughout the game with four sacks and eight quarterback hits. Maye’s only touchdown came in the fourth quarter on a 38-yard touchdown strike to tight end Austin Hooper.
McDaniel appears to be a fan of Maye as a player. He praised the rookie earlier in the week, but he took things a step further after seeing him on the field up close.
“He had ownership of the game, even a little bit more than what had shown on tape,” McDaniel told reporters after the game. “…I think when you’re able to be a pocket passer, but then extend plays and make teams pay when you’re in man coverage or 2-man, it’s a problem.
“He’ll continue to make plays as he gets better and better in the pocket. It’s a guy that honestly, I’m not really rooting for his development, being in the division. But I can appreciate the player, and they have a very good player to work with at that position. So we’ll continue to have to be on our stuff.”
The North Carolina product has been a bright spot in a difficult season for New England. As he continues to develop, he has received recognition from opposing players and coaches alike.
It’ll be fun watching more McDaniel-Maye chess matches throughout the course of their careers in the AFC East.
