Drake Maye’s conversation with the offense spoke volumes | Karen Guregian

There are leaders. And wannabe leaders.

For some, this comes naturally. Others need work.

Drake Maye?

It falls into the natural category. That’s part of his secret sauce. His leadership is modest but still effective.

‘Oh shit’ If the kid from North Carolina talks, the players listen. That was obvious after what happened before Sunday’s game. With the Chicago Bears.

Last week, he instinctively knew it was time to step up and lead. It was a slow process getting to this point, but the Patriots’ rookie quarterback decided to overcome that hurdle.

When maye When he first arrived in Foxborough, he was polite, eager to learn, and respectful of those there, especially Jacoby Brissett.

He watched the veteran receiver carefully and took notes on how an NFL quarterback should lead on and off the field. But now Maye was the beginning. He was given the reins a month ago.

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When practice didn’t go well against the Chicago Bears on Wednesday, Maye asked offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt if it was okay to talk to the group.

as Maye In his statement after the match, he said that he may have missed a few words, but he thought it was important to send a message.

And hearing what the players had to say after beating the Bears, the message had the right tone. It was well received.

We speak as guests on MassLive Monday “Keep an eye on Foxborough” Injured center David Andrews talked about this being a turning point in Maye’s development. He was impressed that the rookie attempted to talk about the offense after a substandard practice.

Timing is everything. Maye’s timing was also spot on. He even used the name Andrews Tom Brady who has an idea of ​​when to address the room.

“Tom didn’t go out there every day and tell us what to do,” Andrews said. “There are very few moments throughout my career where I remember Tom addressing the offense. But they were at critical moments, at critical points.

“So for (Drake) to get out there and say peace, I think guys appreciate that, guys listen to that. Guys respect Drake a lot.”

Andrews firmly believes there are four positions in football that require a player with leadership qualities: quarterback, center, linebacker, safety. He then told a funny story about how his role as a leader developed and emerged.

He started 11 games as a rookie. The first year as an undrafted player he was just trying to contribute and do his job. Later Bill Belichick He approached her.

“I’ll never forget, I was making PB&J during lunch and he walked up to me and I was like, ‘Oh, no!'” Andrews said, fearing the worst. “And he said, ‘You’ve got to be a leader now. It’s part of that role, it’s part of the job (as center). You’ve got to lead and try to lead the offense… At that point I was probably trying not to throw up.”

Andrews said that there were many experienced players in the hall, especially on the offensive line, such as Sebastian Vollmer, Nate Solder and Marcus Cannon. But Belichick thought it was important for his center to be a leader.

“It took me a minute to find my way and learn leadership,” Andrews said of Maye, adding: “As a young player, just learning this, feeling comfortable doing it, I think it’s a big step in growth.”

this one An important moment for Maye. But this leadership role is still evolving. Brissett is a team captain and a household name. Maye is still laying the groundwork. He is also careful not to overstep his boundaries and ask for permission to talk, but Maye is aware that she is his team now.

That’s what he should do.

Andrews believes that respecting your teammates and earning their trust is something that must be earned, especially on the offensive end.

Although Maye only started five games, he quickly progressed and made it into the locker room. He did his job the right way. He has worked hard, been responsible, and is often the first to shoulder the blame when the situation calls for it.

maye all these intangibles have spades. After the win over Chicago, he walked around the room and shook hands with all the offensive players. Then he made his first statement on the subject. The podium was about defense, I applaud how well this unit played in the 19-3 win.

He understands clearly. He is intelligent and has an understanding beyond his years.

When it comes to winning on the field, that comes with it. He threw seven TD passes in five games. He made his share of mistakes, but his talent, skill and toughness overshadowed them.

“You’ve got to earn respect in this league. You earn that by being a good player, number one, of course. And then No. 2, how you carry yourself every day,” Andrews said. “He’s done a great job of that since he’s arrived. So it’s something he’s going to grow into and learn and develop like any young player.”

Maye is clearly on his way. This much is clear.