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.

BREAKING: Former Saints CB Marshon Lattimore, now with Commanders, leaves a note for Gayle Benson and the entire New Orleans that……

In an unexpected and emotional turn of events, former New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore, now playing for the Washington Commanders, has left a heartfelt and shocking note for Saints owner Gayle Benson and the city of New Orleans, sending shockwaves throughout the NFL and the Saints fanbase. The note, which was shared publicly just hours after Lattimore’s trade to the Commanders, has left fans both stunned and emotional as it marks the end of an era for the standout cornerback who had spent the first seven seasons of his career in New Orleans.

The letter, which was released by Lattimore’s agent and subsequently shared on his social media accounts, is a deeply personal and open reflection of his time with the Saints, his departure from the team, and his gratitude toward the organization, the city, and its passionate fanbase. While it includes notes of thanks and recognition, the letter also carries a message of finality, leaving fans and players alike questioning how things truly ended between the former All-Pro and the Saints.

Let’s break down the contents of Lattimore’s letter, the reaction to his trade, and what this development means for both Lattimore’s career and the future of the New Orleans Saints.

The Note: What Did Lattimore Say?

The note begins with an expression of deep gratitude for his time in New Orleans, where Lattimore quickly became a cornerstone of the Saints’ defense after being drafted 11th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. The former Ohio State standout had been instrumental in transforming the Saints’ secondary, earning three Pro Bowl selections and being named to the NFL’s All-Pro team multiple times. His ability to shut down top receivers and make crucial plays in big moments made him one of the league’s premier cornerbacks during his tenure with the Saints.

Lattimore’s message was both emotional and respectful, but there were also moments of subtle frustration and closure that left fans speculating about his reasons for leaving. Some key excerpts from the note include:

Gratitude for Gayle Benson and the Organization:

“First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Mrs. Gayle Benson, the entire Saints organization, and the city of New Orleans. You welcomed me as a young man out of college, and you allowed me to grow into the player I am today. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in me, for putting me in a position to succeed, and for making me feel like I was a part of something bigger than just football. New Orleans is a special place, and I will forever be grateful for everything it gave me.”

This part of the note was touching and was seen as a nod to Benson, the Saints’ long-time owner, who took over the team after the passing of her husband, Tom Benson, in 2018. Lattimore’s respect for the organization was clear, and his acknowledgment of New Orleans as “a special place” resonated with fans who had supported him throughout his career.

Acknowledging the Fans and City:

“To the fans of New Orleans—thank you for your unwavering support, your passion, and for making the Dome one of the hardest places to play in the NFL. The love I’ve felt from this city is something I will never forget. From the tailgates to the standing ovations, to the deafening noise every time I stepped on the field, you made me feel like I was at home. This city gave me everything it had, and I gave it everything I had in return. I’ll always carry that with me.”

This portion of the letter added to the emotional weight of the message. Saints fans, many of whom had considered Lattimore one of the faces of the franchise’s defense for years, would have been moved by his words. It showed that despite his departure, his connection to the city and its people was genuine.

Hints at Frustration and Uncertainty:

While the majority of the letter was filled with positive sentiments, Lattimore also alluded to the complexity of his departure and hinted at frustrations that may have led to his trade. He wrote:

“There are things in life that happen for reasons we may never understand, but one thing I do know is that my time with the Saints had to end. I gave everything I had on the field, and I wanted to continue to bring a championship to New Orleans. But sometimes, the business of football doesn’t align with your heart. That’s just how it goes.”

These lines were cryptic and left much to the imagination. Fans and analysts quickly speculated about the reasons for his departure—whether it was contract-related, due to organizational changes, or if there were personal disagreements between Lattimore and the front office. The words “the business of football doesn’t align with your heart” seemed to suggest that Lattimore’s departure was not entirely his decision, raising questions about the team’s plans moving forward and what exactly led to his trade to Washington.

Looking Ahead:

Finally, Lattimore concluded the note by acknowledging his new chapter with the Washington Commanders, while reaffirming his love and respect for New Orleans.

“To the city of New Orleans, I’ll always be one of you. I leave with nothing but love for you all. To my teammates, my brothers—thank you for fighting with me, for always having my back. And now, I’m on to the next challenge with Washington, where I plan to continue working hard and helping my new team win. But New Orleans will always have a piece of my heart. That’s something I can never take away.”

These closing lines showed a sense of closure for Lattimore, but also a deep connection to the Saints and their fans. While his future lies with the Commanders, the emotional weight of his time in New Orleans was clear, and it’s evident that Lattimore will always have a special place in the hearts of Saints fans.

The Reaction: Saints Fans and NFL Community Respond

As expected, Lattimore’s letter generated a wide range of reactions from both Saints fans and the broader NFL community. For some, it was a bittersweet farewell—a moment to honor a player who had been a defensive anchor for the team for years. Lattimore was seen as one of the few bright spots during some tough rebuilding years for the Saints, and his playmaking ability had made him a fan favorite.

However, the cryptic tone of the letter also raised eyebrows. Some fans wondered if Lattimore’s departure was the result of an internal rift between him and the Saints’ front office. In recent years, the team has undergone significant changes, including the hiring of new personnel in the front office and coaching staff. These changes may have affected Lattimore’s role on the team and contributed to his trade.

New Orleans sports journalists have speculated that there could have been contract disputes or a difference in philosophy regarding the team’s future, especially as the Saints have been in a period of transition since the departure of longtime head coach Sean Payton.

In Washington, Lattimore’s arrival is being met with excitement. The Commanders have struggled in recent years to establish a consistent defense, and the addition of a player with Lattimore’s pedigree is seen as a game-changing move. Washington fans are hopeful that Lattimore can bring his elite-level play to their secondary and help elevate the team’s defense to new heights.

The Impact on the Saints

Lattimore’s departure leaves a significant hole in the Saints’ defense, particularly in the secondary. Known for his ability to shut down top wide receivers, Lattimore had been one of the few constants on a defense that has experienced significant turnover in recent seasons. The Saints’ front office will now have to look to replace his leadership and playmaking ability.

As the Saints prepare for the future, questions loom about their defensive strategy and whether they can maintain their competitive edge without Lattimore anchoring the secondary. Will the team look to draft or trade for a new cornerback to fill the void? Or will they turn to younger players already on the roster to step up?

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Marshon Lattimore

Marshon Lattimore’s letter to Gayle Benson and the city of New Orleans marks the end of an era for both Lattimore and the Saints. It’s a powerful reflection on his time in New Orleans, one that highlights both the love he has for the city and the complexities surrounding his departure. As Lattimore embarks on a new chapter with the Washington Commanders, Saints fans will likely continue to look back at his time in New Orleans with a sense of pride, even as they wonder what could have been had he stayed. For Lattimore, the future lies ahead, but his connection to New Orleans will always be a part of him.

Gayle Benson

Marson Lattimore

Done Deal: Packers trade star DL with Steelers in a shocking deal

The Green Bay Packers have traded DL Preston Smith (pending a physical) to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 seventh-round draft pick. General Manager Brian Gutekunst announced the transaction Tuesday.

Smith has played in 91 games with 88 starts in the regular season since joining the Packers in 2019, posting a team-high 44.0 sacks over that span, which ranks No. 6 on Green Bay’s all-time list (since 1982). He started all nine games this season, recording 19 tackles (six solo), 2.5 sacks (tied for No. 2 on the team) and four QB hits (tied for No. 3 on the team), and is tied for No. 4 on the team with 11 NextGenStat QB pressures (TruMedia).

Smith was one of only two NFL players (T.J. Watt) to register 65-plus sacks (66), five-plus interceptions (five) and five-plus forced fumbles (nine) from 2015-23. He also appeared in seven postseason contests (all starts) for the Packers, registering 25 tackles (16 solo), 3.5 sacks, eight QB hits and three passes defensed.