#drake maye

[hotsexyathletes]

Drake Maye, UNC

[the-football-chick]

WEEK 3 kicks off with the Patriots @ the Jets on Thursday Night Football

The Jets got out to an early lead and never looked back as they dominated the Patriots 24-3. The Patriots struggled offensively so much that starting QB Jacoby Brissett was replaced with rookie QB Drake Maye late in the 4th.

Jets QB Aaron Rodgers looked very much like his old self and went 27/35 for 281 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Jets defense was also impressive, sacking Brissett five times and overall, effectively bottling up the Pats offense. Jets go 2-1 on the season while the Pats fall to 1-2.

IG: nfl & nyjets (9/19/24)

[patrice-bergerons]

I'm already so fond of this kid

[glittter-vamp]

MORE SPORT POOKIES OUT HERE THIS SEASON 🤍💙❤️

[chompinatthebit]

Is Bailey Zappe the odd man out?

[chelseajackarmy]

Drake Maye

[sportsunfolded]

2024 NFL Draft Watch Party 7:45PM EST on RI Broadcasting

[gogonzojournal]

A Wild Watch Party Raided by Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings made so many moves and have such a huge opportunity to move up in the 2024 NFL Draft that we hardly talk about the surging Minnesota Wild, who pulled within four points of a playoff spot with a regulation win over Anaheim. Brian Flores is finally getting the players he wants and needs. Blake Cashman. Andrew Van Ginkel. Jonathan Greenard. That should excite Minnesota Vikings…

[frontproofmedia]

Jayden Daniels: The Rookie Sensation Lighting Up Washington

By: Joseph Correa

In the NFL, rookie quarterbacks often find themselves navigating a gauntlet of expectations, pressure, and scrutiny. The 2024 NFL season has ushered in a new class of young signal-callers, each carrying the weight of their franchise's hopes on their shoulders. But amidst the chaos and growing pains typically associated with first-year players, one name emerges as a beacon of poise and potential: Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders.

Breaking the Rookie Mold

The narrative surrounding rookie quarterbacks has long been one of patience and development. Conventional wisdom suggests a steep learning curve punctuated by flashes of brilliance amid inevitable struggles. Jayden Daniels, however, seems intent on rewriting this script.

Through the first two weeks of the season, Daniels has displayed a level of composure and efficiency that belies his newcomer status. With a completion percentage hovering around 75% and zero interceptions to his name, he's playing with the kind of ball security that coaches dream of from their veterans, let alone their rookies.

But it's not just about avoiding mistakes. Daniels actively pushes the envelope, using his legs to extend plays and create opportunities. His 132 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground showcase a dynamism that keeps defenses on their heels and opens up the entire Commanders offense.

The Analytics Angle

Diving deeper into the numbers reveals how exceptional Daniels' start has been. According to Next Gen Stats, Daniels ranks in the top 10 among all quarterbacks in completion percentage above expectation (CPOE), suggesting that he's not just making the easy throws but consistently hitting on challenging ones as well.

His success rate on third downs is particularly noteworthy. Converting at a clip well above the league average, Daniels is showing a knack for keeping drives alive. This crucial skill often separates the good quarterbacks from the great ones.

Redefining 'Dual-Threat'

The term 'dual-threat quarterback' has become cliché in recent years, often used as a euphemism for runners who can occasionally throw. Daniels is flipping this notion on its head. He's not a runner playing quarterback; he's a quarterback who happens to be an exceptional athlete.

His ability to process information quickly and make intelligent decisions in the pocket is reminiscent of seasoned pros. When he decides to run, it's often a last resort, not a first instinct. This balanced approach keeps defenses honest and opens up opportunities for his teammates in both the run and pass game.

The Rookie Quarterback Landscape

It's worth looking at the broader rookie quarterback landscape to truly appreciate Daniels' early success. The 2024 draft class was touted as one of the most talented in years, with six quarterbacks taken in the first round. Yet, as we near the season's quarter mark, it's Daniels who stands head and shoulders above his peers.

Caleb Williams, the much-hyped first-overall pick, has struggled with the Bears' anemic offense, often looking overwhelmed by the speed of the NFL game. Bo Nix in Denver has shown flashes but lacks consistency. The others - Drake Maye and Michael Penix Jr. - are either riding the bench or experiencing significant growing pains.

This context makes Daniels' smooth transition all the more impressive. He's not just playing well "for a rookie" - he's playing well, period.

The Scheme Fit

Credit must also be given to the Commanders' coaching staff for putting Daniels in positions to succeed. The offense has been tailored to his strengths, featuring a healthy dose of run-pass options (RPOs) and designed rollouts that maximize his mobility and decision-making ability.

This symbiosis between quarterback and scheme is reminiscent of the early success enjoyed by Russell Wilson in Seattle or Dak Prescott in Dallas. Both of those quarterbacks went on to become franchise cornerstones, a trajectory that Daniels seems poised to follow.

Leadership Beyond His Years

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Daniels' early career has been his leadership. Teammates and coaches alike have raved about his work ethic, command of the huddle, and ability to rally the team in crucial moments.

This was on full display in Week 2 against the New York Giants. Trailing late in the fourth quarter, Daniels orchestrated back-to-back scoring drives, showcasing the kind of clutch performance that defines great quarterbacks. Putting up numbers is one thing; it's another entirely to deliver when the pressure is at its highest.

The Road Ahead

As impressive as Daniels' start has been, the real test lies ahead. The NFL is a league of adjustments, and defensive coordinators will be working overtime to find ways to slow him down. How Daniels responds to these challenges will be crucial in determining whether his early success is sustainable.

There's also the physical toll to consider. Daniels' willingness to use his legs is a double-edged sword, opening up the offense while also exposing him to potential injury. Balancing his natural playmaking instincts with the need for self-preservation will be an ongoing challenge.

A New Era in Washington?

For a franchise that has long searched for stability at the quarterback position, Daniels represents hope. Not since the brief, electrifying tenure of Robert Griffin III has there been this much excitement around a young quarterback in Washington.

But Daniels isn't RGIII, nor is he Doug Williams or any other quarterback from the team's past. He's charting his own course, one that could potentially redefine what's possible for a rookie quarterback in the modern NFL.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Jayden Daniels. Can he maintain this level of play? Will he hit the proverbial "rookie wall"? Or will he continue to ascend, perhaps even entering the conversation for Offensive Rookie of the Year?

Whatever the future holds, one thing is clear: Jayden Daniels isn't just adapting to the NFL - he's making the NFL adapt to him. And that, more than any statistic or highlight reel play, might be the most impressive feat of all for a rookie quarterback.

Feature Photo: Joe Glorioso/All-Pro Reels

[hotsexyathletes]

Drake Maye, UNC

[chompinatthebit]

Glimpse into the future?

The Patriots went into their game against the Jets hoping to rebound from the OT loss to the Seahawks on a short week but fell short, losing 24-3. The Patriots now find themselves 1-2 after the loss but there was something interesting to take away from the blowout loss, Drake Maye made his debut.

Maye entered the game with only a few minutes left in the game, relieving Jacoby Brissett. Maye went 4/8 for 22 yards, he took a couple of big hits and made a couple of quality throws in the short appearance. It gave a small sample of what could be possible once the keys are turned over to him and the next phase of development can begin. Maye has been taking about 30% of first team reps in practice but it's definitely beneficial for him to get game reps as well but the Patriots have a plan for Maye and don't seem to be rushing the process. At least that's what they maintain, Jerod Mayo came out and said that Jacoby Brissett is still the starting QB, at least until he says that he isn't. Is it lip service or is the team sticking to the plan they laid out from the beginning?

It's a tricky situation because obviously they want to see what they have in Drake Maye, the team isn't expected to win at a high level this year, they are still in the midst of the rebuild as well. The offensive line is still a work in progress, the playmakers on the outside are still unproven but the intrigue with Maye is there. I know there isn't a rush to throw him out there but that doesn't mean that I don't want to see it. It seems that after the brief appearance against the Jets that time might be sooner rather than later, could he start against the 49ers on Sunday?

When do you think Drake Maye takes over as the starter? Does the varying success of the other rookie QBs influence your opinion, should it influence the team's plan? I still think he takes over in October, maybe against the Jags in London on the 20th.

I appreciate you taking the time to read my article, until next time...

[wiersema1]

Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Preview

The 2024 NFL Draft starts on Thursday night. Here's our Chicago Bears preview with our top 9 mock draft, as well as all four Bears selections.

Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Preview 2024 NFL Draft – Detroit, MI Round 1 (Thursday, April 25, 7pm), Rounds 2-3 (Friday, April 26, 6pm), Rounds 4-7 (Saturday, April 27, 11am) ‘The Writing Is On the Wall’ Has the ‘writing on the wall’ ever been more clear than this year’s #1 overall draft pick? I think we all knew the #1 pick over a year ago, maybe all the way back to the 2022 college season,…

[loupickney]

Draft King: Lou Pickney's 2024 NFL Mock Draft

[sucka99]

[frontproofmedia]

2024's Top NFL Rookie QBs: Touchdown Famine Raises Eyebrows

By: Joseph Correa

The 2024 NFL Draft was heralded as a quarterback bonanza, with six signal-callers selected in the first 12 picks. However, as we approach Week 3 of the NFL season, these young gunslingers have found themselves in uncharted waters – and not in a good way.

The Touchdown Drought

The 2024 quarterback class has yet to throw a single touchdown pass through the first two weeks of the season. This dubious distinction includes three Week 1 starters: Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears), Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders), and Bo Nix (Denver Broncos). Together, they've accumulated a staggering 196 pass attempts without finding the end zone through the air – an NFL record for rookies to begin a season, according to Opta Stats.

Individual Performances

Caleb Williams: Baptism by Fire

The Bears' No. 1 overall pick, Caleb Williams, has had a baptism by fire. Behind a porous offensive line, Williams has been sacked nine times, tied for the league high. His stats tell a grim tale:

267 passing yards

2 interceptions

0 touchdowns

Pressured on 43.2% of dropbacks (3rd highest in NFL)

30.4% completion rate under pressure (worst in NFL)

21.8 passer rating versus pressure

Williams is on the verge of joining an exclusive club he'd rather avoid. Only three No. 1 overall pick quarterbacks have failed to throw a touchdown pass in their first three games: Terry Bradshaw, Michael Vick, and Alex Smith. While this doesn't spell doom for Williams' career – all three of those quarterbacks had successful NFL tenures – it's certainly not the start he or Bears fans envisioned.

Jayden Daniels: A Silver Lining

Of the rookie starters, Jayden Daniels has shown the most promise. While he hasn't thrown a touchdown, his overall performance has been encouraging:

410 passing yards

0 interceptions

132 rushing yards

2 rushing touchdowns

Daniels has made history as the first rookie quarterback drafted in the first round to amass over 500 total yards without a turnover in his first two career starts since 1970. His dual-threat capabilities have been on full display, providing a glimmer of hope for Washington fans.

Bo Nix: Turnover Troubles

Denver's Bo Nix has struggled with ball security, throwing four interceptions in just two games – tied for the league lead. His stats paint a picture of a quarterback finding his footing:

384 passing yards

59.7% completion rate

4 interceptions

0 passing touchdowns

1 rushing touchdown

60 rushing yards

Nix's 0-to-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio is currently the worst in the NFL, a concerning start for the Broncos' new signal-caller.

The Waiting Game

While Williams, Daniels, and Nix have been thrust into the spotlight, their draft classmates are still waiting in the wings. Drake Maye (New England Patriots) and Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons) have yet to take a regular-season snap, while J.J. McCarthy's (Minnesota Vikings) season ended prematurely due to a preseason knee injury.

Looking Ahead

It's crucial to remember that we're only two weeks into these young quarterbacks' NFL careers. The transition from college to the pros is notoriously difficult, and many successful NFL quarterbacks have struggled early in their careers.

As we look ahead to Week 3, all eyes will be on Williams, Daniels, and Nix to see if one can break the touchdown drought. Their development throughout the season will be a fascinating storyline as they navigate the challenges of the NFL and work to justify their lofty draft positions.

While it's far too early to make definitive judgments about the future of these young quarterbacks, their rocky start serves as a reminder of the steep learning curve in the NFL. As history has shown us time and again, early struggles don't necessarily predict long-term failure. The true measure of these quarterbacks will be how they respond to adversity and grow throughout their rookie campaigns.

Feature Photo: AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith