Having a young quarterback being forced to learn multiple offenses early in his career is not an ideal path toward success. But that's the situation Drake Maye finds himself in as he embarks on his all-important second season at the helm in New England.
Going back to his college days at North Carolina, McDaniels marks the fourth different offensive coordinator he's worked with over the past four seasons, so learning a new system is nothing new to the Patriots quarterback.
The early returns look positive, and not just based on his play. Admittedly, the work in shorts and helmets doesn't offer a great indication of what is to come, but it's the manner with which Maye carried himself as camp opened that is cause for optimism.
"It's a lot different. Kind of coming in here, you know what to expect," Maye said of his development heading into Year 2. "That's what I was telling the rookies earlier, it's going to be a kind of whirlwind. You're kind of scrambling from period to period and next thing you know, you're up against the defense and some full speed plays. So, I think just take your time, enjoy it, take the time to watch the film and I think more than that, just have fun. I mean, you know the plays, just don't overthink it and I think just play instinctive."
While it's difficult – and sometimes dangerous – to read much into a player's body language, Maye appears to be much more comfortable knowing he's the starter at this stage as opposed to a year ago when he opened camp as Jacoby Brissett's backup.
That comfort level has carried into his knowledge of McDaniels' system. By no means is the offense a finished product, but Maye expressed optimism for the group and where things stand as things have gotten underway.
"It takes a while, I think, to master something at the level that some of the guys played at," Maye said following the first workout. "So, I think I've got a long way to go, but I think I like where I'm at. I've got some more stuff to improve on. I think it all comes, facing defenses, I think you can master it, 'hey, what are these guys going to do on the route?' And I think there's a different level to it that I think that we're kind of going to need to tap into.
"I think we moved the ball well. I think it's just one of those things where you learn from it and try not to let those defensive guys get me."
Thursday saw a continuation of the positive vibes from opening day. Maye used a lot of short, quick throws to combat the pass rush, hitting his receivers consistently underneath the coverage. As was the case on Wednesday, Maye spread the ball around to a number of target, most notably DeMario Douglas.
Douglas could be a key figure in McDaniels' attack, which has featured productive slot receivers in the past. On Thursday he showed the ability to uncover quickly, providing Maye with safe outlets that would allow the offense to remain on schedule under normal game circumstances.
The highlight play for Douglas actually came on a throw from Joshua Dobbs when he leaped high near the right sideline to haul in a pass. He showed great athleticism in getting both feet in bounds despite getting nudged toward the sideline by Marcellus Dial.
As for Maye, he sees reasons for the same optimism expressed by many fans throughout the offseason.
"What excites me most? I like that question. I think you've got guys around here that are tired of losing and guys that want to win," Maye concluded. "I think that's what excites me most."
Beyond the early impressions of Maye, here are one man's observations from Day 2 of training camp.
*There were no changes to the lists as wide receiver Mack Hollins, tight end Austin Hooper and tackle Vederian Lowe remain on PUP and rookie safety Josh Minkins is on NFI. Ja'Lynn Polk missed his second straight day of practice and was joined by cornerback Carlton Davis and rookie defensive tackle Jahvaree Ritzee among those not spotted.
*The offensive line continues to rotate players throughout the team periods. Thursday's practice opened with a group that featured Will Campbell, Cole Strange, Garrett Bradbury, Mike Onwenu and Morgan Moses. After a handful of snaps, rookie Jared Wilson entered at left guard and Trey Jacobs went to right tackle. On the next snap, Strange returned and Wilson replaced Bradbury at center.
Moses was asked about the rotating and wasn't necessarily concerned about it.
"I don't know. I just come in and try to put my best foot forward every day," Moses said. "The good thing about where I'm at right now is that I still feel like I can continue to learn. It's a way different offense than I've been in in my previous years. That's what keeps me going, being able to come in and knowing that I can get better every day. And the opportunity is there.
"I don't know what [the rotation] is, but I just do what I'm told. Those guys need reps too, because in the trenches things happen. We're moving forward and we're getting what we need. We're correcting the things in the meeting rooms, and everything is going well."
*Former Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich was spotted in the media tent watching practice.
*Robert Kraft made the rounds during practice as well. He spent some time on the fields during the hour-and-45-minute workout.
*With Davis not in uniform, Alex Austin lined up at corner opposite Christian Gonzalez. That pair opened the first team period along with safeties Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers. On the third play, Dugger and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga left as defensive backs Jaylinn Hawkins and Marcus Jones replaced them.
*Christian Barmore opened that same team segment with Milton Williams on opposite sides of Tonga. But he took part in just a handful of reps before moving to the opposite field to work with trainer Jim Whalen. Barmore indicated after practice that he was simply following the team's plan for him to start camp. He also informed the media that he dropped some weight in the offseason and currently checks in at 305 pounds, down as much as 20 pounds from earlier in his career.
"Really doing a lot of conditioning, a lot of running, a lot of core work and all that," Barmore said. "Working hard with [strength] coach Frank [Piraino], too. He had a good plan for me to keep on really having me in the best shape possible. These coaches I have and the medical staff really have good people to help me get in the best possible shape I could be in. I'm really grateful for that."
*After not doing much kicking on Wednesday, Andy Borregales and Parker Romo got some field goal work in toward the end of practice. The rookie Borregales appeared to miss his final attempt wide to the left after making his first three while Romo appeared to connect on all four of his attempts.
*Bryce Baringer also got some punt work in as Marcus Jones, Kyle Williams, Douglas and Efton Chism served as returners. The rookie Williams mishandled one of his attempts and was visibly upset with himself. Baringer punted with a significant wind, which made life a bit more difficult on the returners.
*Jabrill Peppers, Rhamondre Stevenson, Onwenu, Moses, Kendrick Bourne and Barmore all spent time chatting with the media after practice.
*Camp moves forward on Friday as the Patriots will be back it with practice set to begin at 10 a.m. in Foxborough. The workout is open to the public and gates will open at 9 a.m.
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