New England Patriots
Ernie Adams Opines on When Patriots Drake Maye Should Start
Ernie Adams remained a man of mystery for decades. People knew he was an old friend and football advisor to Bill Belichick, but little more. However, during the docuseries The Dynasty, Adams emerged as a fan favorite during the polarizing look at the New England Patriots’ incredible run to six Super Bowl championships.
Julian Edelman invited Adams on his podcast Games with Names earlier this offseason. Adams discussed the Patriots’ win in Super Bowl 36 over the St. Lous Rams, the first NFL championship in franchise history. He also discussed many other topics. These ranged from Bucko Kilroy to the Patriot Way to New England’s struggles at the end of the Belichick Era.
Adams returned for a second appearance on the show. This time, Adams and Edelman broke down the 2018 AFC Championship Game between New England and Kansas City. To check out the complete episode, click here.
Ernie Adams on Drake Maye
Adams touched on several topics once again, including New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Edelman mentioned it was the first time Ernie Adams joined the show since the Patriots drafted Maye.
“They had the third pick in the draft and they take a quarterback. So essentially, you have married the franchise to Drake Maye for the next few years,” said Adams.
“They’ve got Jacoby Brissett in there for some period of time. He (Brissett) may be the starting quarterback,” Adams continued. “If they (the Patriots) asked me, which they haven’t, when they should start Drake Maye, they should start him when he’s ready. And you can’t invent that. If he’s not ready to start from the first week, don’t start him. Maybe it’s gonna be in the middle of the season, however that works out. At some point, he’s gonna go in and be the quarterback and he’s gonna get a full chance to show what he can do.”
How Will the Patriots Know When Maye’s Ready?
“Number one things of course is going out and how’s he doing at practice?” Ernie Adams indicated this was far more than just arm strength and natural ability. It was about running an NFL offense.
“Taking snaps against the first defense, seeing coverage, running the Patriots offense,” said Adams. “Does he really know what he’s doing? Does he look like he can go in there and execute at full speed against a really good defense when the balls are flying?”
“It’s a judgment call on the part of coaches. You see him every day, you live with him. Does he really know how to call the plays in the huddle? Does he understand what you’re trying to do? But there’s nothing like going in. ‘Okay we think he’s ready, but now we’re gonna put him in the game and we’re really gonna find out. Eventually, they’re gonna do that.”
But Ernie Adams did indicate that Drake Maye has something working against him that rookies for generations past did not have to deal with: A lack of practice time.
“Particularly the way training camp has been so cut back,” said Adams. “As far as a rookie getting ready to play, it’s gonna slow down his development.”
Adams blamed this change on the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, which is, “Negotiated by the players and the owners. Who’s negotiating on behalf of the players? Veteran players.”
Although Ernie Adams might be retired from his advisory role with the New England Patriots, the franchise he helped to win all those championships would do well to take his advice when it comes to Drake Maye. Play him when he’s ready, whenever that might be.
Read This Next
Recommended
