Patriots quarterback Drake Maye shared a message for his offensive line when he joined WEEI’s Rich, Ken, and Ted Monday, following the 45-27 Patriots loss to the Packers, a game in which he took four sacks.
“Keep battling,” Maye said. “Those guys are doing lots of good things. I think it starts with us, with the run game. If we get the run game going, it makes it easier for everybody. They want to run the football, and every O-lineman does. So those guys, keep battling.”
Maye is 8th in sacks taken among NFL quarterbacks with 20 this the season, tied with Saints QB Tyler Shough.
The Patriots are 10th in rushing yards per game and 14th in yards per attempt, but both Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson face health issues.
New England’s offensive line has been a revolving door of players thanks to injuries. Both starting guards are on injured reserve, with Mike Onwenu having sustained a broken ankle early in the year. Backup guard Ben Brown went down with an injury Sunday and both tackles, Will Campbell and Morgan Moses, have played through injuries in the first half of the season.
Maye said he feels he can do more to help organize the big fellas up front.
“They’re doing a great job and we’ll clean some things up communication-wise, get on the same page. I can do a better job of owning it and operating it, and for them to step up in there, they’re all battling injuries, some tough football. Respect to them, let them know I appreciate them,” he said.
The 5-4 Patriots have an unusual week ahead as the prepare to travel to Germany Wednesday. They take on the Detroit Lions overseas Sunday morning.
