Patriots OC sets record straight on Drake Maye's interception, revealing key details fans missed
FOXBOROUGH, Mass – The New England Patriots had an opportunity to defeat the Los Angeles Rams in Sunday's matchup. However, a controversial play at the end of the game, ended the drive and handed the Rams the win. After the defense came away with a big stop, the Rams were forced to punt. And that […]
FOXBOROUGH, Mass – The New England Patriots had an opportunity to defeat the Los Angeles Rams in Sunday's matchup. However, a controversial play at the end of the game, ended the drive and handed the Rams the win.
After the defense came away with a big stop, the Rams were forced to punt. And that put the ball in Drake Maye's hands with just over two minutes remaining. An 18 yard completion to Kendrick Bourne quickly got things going, but afterwards, the rookie was intercepted on a pass intended for DeMario Douglas.
Head coach Jerod Mayo described it as a "miscommunication" between the two players, but on Thursday, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt provided some more context on what he saw.
"We were trying to put stress on the safety," Van Pelt explained. "So that's a two on one ball on the safety. It's something we talked about, just wanting to be on the same page with Pop as far as when that ball was going to come up.
"I think the read was right. I think if Pop looks a little bit earlier, he gets backs and catches the ball."
So, on this one, it seems like Van Pelt is saying it's on Douglas. But these receivers are learning to play with a new quarterback, and the second-year receiver has proven to be a crucial piece of this offense.
"Just growing pains on our offense," Van Pelt said. "But the ball went to the right spot. I just think they weren't on the same page."
After Sunday's game, both Maye and Douglas were also asked about this.
"I was running my route," Douglas said. "It was just a miscommunication on both of us."
Maye echoed what his teammate and coach had said.
"Just too high a look. And Pop's up the middle and they're pretty good up front, the rushing five. So, I tried to put it on him and hit him over the linebacker, but Pop was thinking probably deep," Maye explained.
"At the end of the day, we just got to be on the same page."
The quarterback made sure not to put the blame on his receiver.
"I think Pop did the right thing I guess. Just got to talk through more conversations," Maye told reporters. "Just goes back to me during the week to do it more. Talking through different situations"
A learning experience for this young offense.
Patriots QB Drake Maye and WR DeMario Douglas admit what went wrong on final play that resulted in an interception
A tough ending to this game.
