Who Should I Start? Baker Mayfield or Drake Maye

Wednesday, June 11, 4:32 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield noted on Tuesday via the team's official transcript that the new offense is focusing on increasing the number of downfield shots during minicamp. "[We're] working on that, being able to connect on the chemistry we're trying to build right now," noted the Oklahoma product. "This is the time of year we're working on it. Obviously, you would love to have more down-the-field shots, but any completion is a good one." Mayfield's gripe with the offense from 2024 was that it relied heavily on YAC, and it sounds like they're trying to go away from that in 2025. It's worth noting that they weren't very efficient on deep balls last season, but they're certainly equipped to do so with their offensive skill players. More explosiveness would suit the offense well, but only time will tell if that's a suitable game plan for new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard. NFL defenses have done well in recent seasons in limiting explosive plays.

Tuesday, May 20, 11:39 PM

The Athletic's Chad Graff reports that New England Patriots second-year quarterback Drake Maye struggled in his first practice at organized team activities on Tuesday. Nobody should be putting too much stock into it, but Maye tossed four interceptions on his 16 pass attempts with the defense dominating early on. Three of the throws were outright misses, and one of them came on a batted pass on a throw behind his intended receiver. It's not all that surprising, though, with defenses usually ahead at this time of year and with Maye learning a new offensive scheme from Josh McDaniels. The 22-year-old former third overall pick eventually took over starting duties last year from Jacoby Brissett and predictably struggled for a Pats team lacking many offensive weapons. Drake showed signs of greatness, though, and he should be able to take a step forward in McDaniels' scheme with improved offensive weapons.