You can protect your quarterback from tackles, but you can’t do much if he’s throwing tangents. That was the reality the New England Patriots faced as their team hit the OTAs. Drake Maye left a lot to be desired from his performance, and fans were wondering if his hype was even justified after the Patriots went to great lengths to boost their roster depth this year. With the likes of Stefon Diggs and Will Campbell bringing the promise of greatness to the team, the QB needs to up his game.

If you’re struggling to make great plays even without the pads, you’re bound to catch some strays. So when Maye got intercepted four times (two were back to back), he got narrow-eyed side glances and scoffs on the internet. It took place within a six-play span. But let us forget the internet for a moment. If your team sees you getting four interceptions from your own defenders, that’s a string of embarrassment you can’t easily forget.

CB Christian Gonzalez was the one with two picks, and the rest two were by safety Dell Pettus and defensive back Craig Woodson. It doesn’t end there, though. The QB was also sacked twice by cornerback Marcus Jones and pass rusher Keion White. Now, Maye did end the practice by going 7-of-8 under center, but it was a little too late to turn things around. But he isn’t sitting and moping. No! So he showed up once again and demonstrated that the ridicule didn’t affect him.

ESPN’s Mike Reiss shared a new update concerning the QB’s most recent OTA. He wrote: “One of the headlines from last week’s practice watched by reporters was quarterback Drake Maye throwing four interceptions (one was in more of a walkthrough part of practice and also could have been a defensive penalty). Of those picks, only one appeared to be mostly on Maye — an overthrow of undrafted rookie tight end CJ Dippre down the field. Maye then completed seven of his next eight passes. Those who were at Thursday’s closed-to-the-media practice held inside due to the rain described him as sharp and turnover-free.

“‘He finished practice good, as you could see,’ veteran tight end Hunter Henry said of Tuesday’s workout. ‘That’s what football is — things don’t always go your way and you have to keep playing.'”

When you’re working with new coaching staff and new players, it naturally takes some time to get in the groove. And it’s not like Drake Maye is leading the Patriots onto the gridiron tomorrow. There’s still time. As TE Hunter Henry made Maye’s case last week, “I think he’s acclimating great – It’s a lot. And it’s really early. It’s only May, man. We just got together a month ago and put this all in. So there’s a lot thrown at the wall right now that we’re trying to make stick.” As May slowly turns to June, the clock’s ticking for Maye to accustom himself to the new team dynamics.

The preseason is still two months away, which gives the Patriots enough time to develop chemistry and work out the kinks. Drake has plenty of chances to turn those frowns upside down. And as he takes the feedback from the veterans to heart, the turnaround is already happening with zero turnovers.

Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman’s CTA for Drake Maye

When veterans talk about you, you’ve got to sit up straight and listen hard; Especially if the feedback isn’t all that glorious. When Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman discussed “what it takes to succeed in [Josh] McDaniel’s offense,” there weren’t any names. But the message was clear. When you talk about the offensive coordinator, your mind automatically goes to the four miserable interceptions on Drake Maye.

Coming from two Patriots veterans, it was a simple masterclass to be a standout. Edelman dropped the first nugget last week: “To play in a Josh McDaniels’ offense, a good prerequisite to have is being a smart, tough football player that performs under pressure. That’s what he’s going to preach.”

So, “if you’re a smart guy, a versatile guy,” you can do it. And Gronk doubled down with his own piece of advice. “He gives everyone an opportunity to shine and showcase your skills. You got to shine in those opportunities and you got to be consistent as well out there on the football field. He loves consistent players.” Consistency is key in a team dynamic that constantly changes strategies to make effective plays.

Remembering the formations and delivering again and again is the key to victory. And that’s exactly what Josh McDaniels looks for. And Edelman had even more to say on this matter. “He’s going to give you an opportunity, and it’s going to be at one of your strengths. You just got to make that play, and that’s how you continue to gain his trust.”

And Drake Maye? He’s listening, taking notes, and coming back stronger than ever. The team is also slowly getting in sync with the new roster. He’s already flipped up the script on his OTA shades. So, once the pads are up and his second year in the NFL is underway, he might just explode onto the scene. What do you think?