The new head coach of the New England Patriots comments on the performance of rookie playmaker Drake Maye – and finds clear words

The New England Patriots have undergone a radical change. Head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Mac Jones are gone, coach Jerod Mayo and rookie playmaker Drake Maye are new.

When the head coach was asked by US reporters about his first impressions of the young signal caller, Mayo gave a more than clear answer.

“He still has a lot to do. A lot to do,” the coach said, “But I have no doubt he’ll put in the time. He’s been here all night trying to get up to speed with everyone else.”

The 38-year-old also explained that his own legacy – and that of newly installed general manager Eliot Wolf – will be tied to the drafting of the playmaker.

On Friday and Saturday, Drake Maye completed his first workouts as a Patriots pro, wearing the No. 10 jersey previously worn by Jones, who has since moved on to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Maye works on the basics

Saturday’s practice, which was also attended by reporters, focused primarily on footwork fundamentals.

“It was good to get a feel for it on the first day and just make more and more plays,” Maye said, “That’s all you need with something new – more and more reps. I felt pretty good today, so we just have to keep working. “