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Jerod Mayo: How Drake Maye Stacks Up Against Top QBs

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Jerod Mayo: How Drake Maye Stacks Up Against Top QBs

 

The New England Patriots selected quarterback Drake Maye with the third overall pick in the 2024 draft. He was the third QB to come off the board after the Chicago Bears took Caleb Williams first and the Washington Commanders grabbed Jayden Daniels with the second pick. Unlike Williams and Daniels, Maye didn’t play right away. The Patriots waited until Week 6 to name Maye the starter over veteran Jacoby Brissett.

After starting four games – although his Week 8 outing against the New York Jets was cut short due to a concussion – Patriots’ head coach Jerod Mayo was asked to evaluate Maye.

“This is what we saw as we went through the process. We spent a lot of time with Drake. The scouts spent a lot of time with him. I spent a lot of time with him. We had good one-on-one conversations, and this is what we expected. In saying that, he’s a very coachable guy, and talking to his coach in college, he said the exact same thing. He’s a competitor. You talk to his dad, he says the exact same thing. So, I think this, from a mentality standpoint, this is who he is, and we appreciate that mindset,” Mayo said, per a press conference transcript provided by the Patriots’ official site.

Patriots’ QB Drake Maye is proving worthy of the third pick in the draft

Because of his quarterback-rich draft class, Maye will always be compared to Daniels and Williams. It’s a tough break because Daniels has been extraordinary, setting NFL records and leading the Commanders to a 7-2 record. Williams has also shown flashes of brilliance, although he hasn’t enjoyed the same team success as the Bears are 4-4 and in last place in the NFC North.

The rookie quarterback rankings through Week 8 predictably have Daniels and Williams first and second followed by the Denver Broncos’ Bo Nix. Maye is ranked fourth. But, to be fair, Drake is just getting started.

Once he got his chance, Maye proved he belonged, throwing three touchdown passes in his first start and breathing new life into the Patriots’ passing game. In Week 9, Maye pulled off a miraculous touchdown that forced overtime against the Tennessee Titans. The play showed off all of the young passer’s alluring attributes – his athleticism, toughness and arm strength.

Of course, Maye is a rookie and that comes with rookie mistakes. After getting New England to overtime on Sunday, Maye threw a game-ending interception. Still, the Patriots have to be encouraged by what they’ve seen from the first-year signal caller so far. The results haven’t shown up in the team’s record just yet as the Patriots are 2-7 this season. But Maye could be the long-term answer at quarterback for the franchise.

 

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BREAKING NEWS: Former saint HC, Sean Payton now with Denver Broncos sends message to Gayle Benson, concerning…

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BREAKING NEWS: Former saint HC, Sean Payton now with Denver Broncos sends message to Gayle Benson, concerning…

In an unexpected turn of events, former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is officially stepping into a new chapter of his coaching career with the Denver Broncos. After a brief hiatus following his departure from the Saints in 2021, Payton has now agreed to terms to become the Broncos’ new head coach, signaling a bold shift in the NFL landscape.

But the news comes with a twist. Payton reportedly left a personal message for New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson, which has caught the attention of many in the NFL community. The message, though private, is believed to offer closure to his departure from the team he led for 15 seasons, during which he brought the Saints their first-ever Super Bowl championship.

Sean Payton’s Career Milestones

Payton’s tenure with the Saints was legendary. Taking the reins in 2006, he quickly turned the franchise into a perennial contender, leading them to eight playoff appearances and a Super Bowl victory in 2009. His high-powered offense, innovative play-calling, and leadership style earned him widespread respect across the league. Under Payton, the Saints became one of the NFL’s most consistent and competitive teams.

However, after the 2021 season, Payton announced he was stepping away from coaching, citing the need for a break. His time off, which included media appearances and analysis roles, sparked rumors about his potential return to the sidelines.

The Denver Broncos’ New Era

Fast forward to 2024, and Payton is returning to the coaching ranks, but this time in Denver. The Broncos, a team rich in history but struggling in recent years, are hoping that Payton will bring stability and success back to the Mile High City. The Broncos have not had a winning season since 2016 and have cycled through several head coaches in an attempt to find the right fit. Payton’s arrival could be the spark the franchise needs to revive its fortunes.

The Broncos have made significant investments in their roster, particularly with quarterback Russell Wilson, and they hope that Payton’s offensive expertise and leadership will help turn their fortunes around.

The Message to Gayle Benson

While Payton’s move to the Broncos has been the major story, a secondary narrative has also emerged that has fans and media buzzing. According to sources close to the situation, Payton left a heartfelt message for Gayle Benson, the owner of the New Orleans Saints, before his departure. The exact content of the message remains undisclosed, but reports suggest that it was a gesture of appreciation and a final word of thanks to Benson and the Saints organization.

Payton had an emotional and professional relationship with the Benson family, especially with Gayle Benson, who took over the ownership of the Saints after the passing of her late husband, Tom Benson. Under their stewardship, Payton was given full control over the team’s football operations, allowing him to build the team into a perennial powerhouse. Payton has repeatedly spoken highly of the Bensons, often crediting them for providing him with the stability and resources to succeed.

While many expected Payton to take a break from coaching for an extended period, his eventual return to the NFL was almost certainly going to involve a carefully planned exit from New Orleans. The message to Gayle Benson is seen by many as a symbolic moment, a chance for Payton to express his gratitude for the opportunity he had with the Saints before moving on to his next challenge.

What’s Next for the New Orleans Saints?

With Payton now gone, the Saints are left to chart a new course. The team’s future remains uncertain as they search for a new head coach to continue the work Payton began. Many believe the Saints are in a transitional phase, with a quarterback situation that remains up in the air and the need for rejuvenation in several key areas.

Although Payton’s departure marks the end of an era in New Orleans, the team still has plenty of talent on the roster, and the right coaching hire could keep the Saints competitive in the NFC South. Still, the shadow of Payton’s legacy will loom large over the franchise as they move forward.

Looking Ahead: Payton’s Legacy and the Broncos’ Hopes

As for Payton, his arrival in Denver marks a fresh start for a coach who has nothing left to prove. Known for his offensive genius and ability to adapt to different quarterbacks, Payton is expected to bring an exciting brand of football to the Broncos. The success of Russell Wilson, who struggled in 2023 under the leadership of former head coach Nathaniel Hackett, will likely be a major focus for Payton as he works to unlock the potential of the veteran QB.

Payton’s impact on Denver could be immediate, but expectations will also be high. Broncos fans are eager to see if he can return the team to the championship contender status it enjoyed in the 2010s, especially with the AFC West proving to be a tough division with powerhouses like the Kansas City Chiefs.

In the coming days and weeks, expect more details about Payton’s tenure in Denver, as well as the response from the Saints organization. The message to Gayle Benson may have been a small gesture, but it’s a reminder of the bonds that exist behind the headlines and business decisions that dominate the NFL. Whether you’re a Saints fan or a Broncos supporter, one thing is clear: Sean Payton’s next chapter is sure to be one of the most closely watched in the NFL.

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BREAKING: Gayle Benson confirms Alvin Kamara and Tyreek Hill will not leave the New Orleans Saints on loan in the upcoming transfer window…

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BREAKING: Gayle Benson confirms Alvin Kamara and Tyreek Hill will not leave the New Orleans Saints on loan in the upcoming transfer window…

In a significant development, New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson has confirmed that star players Alvin Kamara and Tyreek Hill will not be leaving the team on loan during the upcoming transfer window. This announcement puts to rest growing speculation that both players could be on the move, with multiple reports suggesting interest from other NFL teams keen on securing their services.

Alvin Kamara, the Saints’ dynamic running back, has been a cornerstone of the team’s offense for years, known for his explosive playmaking ability and versatility. Despite some challenging seasons, Kamara remains one of the most effective and influential players on the roster. The rumors surrounding his departure were fueled by the team’s rebuilding phase, as many expected the Saints to make changes for future success. However, Benson’s statement reaffirms Kamara’s importance to the team and suggests he will continue to play a key role in the Saints’ plans moving forward.

Similarly, Tyreek Hill, the veteran wide receiver who joined the Saints after a high-profile trade, has become an integral part of the offense with his game-changing speed and deep-threat capabilities. Despite his massive value, rumors of a potential loan transfer to another franchise in the coming months had many fans concerned about the Saints’ ability to retain top talent. However, Benson has now laid those fears to rest, confirming that Hill will remain with the team, helping to solidify the offense as they aim for success in the upcoming season.

This decision marks a pivotal moment for the Saints, who appear committed to keeping their star players as they build a competitive roster. Both Kamara and Hill’s presence will be crucial for the Saints as they strive for playoff contention in the competitive NFC South.

 

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“Despite my efforts, no one ever notices me,” said Rico Payton, a cornerback for the New Orleans team, as he announce that………

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“Despite my efforts, no one ever notices me,” said Rico Payton, a cornerback for the New Orleans team, as he announce that………

“Despite my efforts, no one ever notices me,” said Rico Payton, a cornerback for the New Orleans team, in a statement as he is set to enter a critical phase of his career. Payton, who has spent years proving himself on the field, expressed frustration with the lack of recognition for his hard work and dedication to the game.

As a cornerback, Payton’s job is often one of the most underappreciated in football. He spends countless hours studying his opponents, refining his technique, and preparing for every game, yet his name rarely makes headlines. While quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers often steal the spotlight, cornerbacks like Payton are tasked with one of the toughest jobs on the field: shutting down elite wide receivers and making crucial plays in the secondary.

This season, Payton has been an essential part of the New Orleans defense. His ability to read the game, react quickly, and anticipate the moves of opposing players has been instrumental in keeping the team competitive. Despite this, his contributions have often gone unnoticed by fans and media alike, overshadowed by flashier players and higher-profile positions.

“I just want to be recognized for my work,” Payton continued. “It’s not about fame or accolades, but the pride that comes with knowing I helped my team succeed. I’m just as dedicated as anyone else, and I believe I deserve the same respect.”

As he prepares for the upcoming games, Payton remains focused on his craft. His commitment to the game is unwavering, and while he may not always receive the attention he deserves, his impact on the field speaks for itself. For Payton, it’s not about the recognition—it’s about proving, time and time again, that he belongs at the top of his game.

 

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