NFL Exec: Patriots More Similar to Bryce Young's Panthers Than C.J. Stroud's Texans
May 3, 2024
One NFL executive doesn't believe that the New England Patriots have given quarterback Drake Maye all of the tools that he needs to succeed ahead of his rookie season.
The executive compared the Patriots' situation to ones that 2023 rookie quarterbacks faced, namely Houston Texans signal-caller C.J. Stroud and Carolina Panthers passer Bryce Young.
"I just think the team New England has around its QB more closely resembles Carolina than Houston," the executive said, per Mike Sando of The Athletic.
After wrapping up a disappointing 2023 season that ended with a 4-13 record, the team agreed to mutually part ways with head coach Bill Belichick. The one silver lining was a high draft pick, as the Patriots used the No. 3 choice to select Maye after several tremendous seasons at North Carolina.
The comparison to Carolina's situation is not a kind one, as Young struggled to stand out on a Panthers offense that didn't provide him with much help. He was sacked 62 times in 16 starts, the second-highest mark of any quarterback.
Young didn't have a deep wide receiver room either, as veteran Adam Thielen was the only Panthers wideout to eclipse 550 yards in 2023.
As for Stroud, he took just 38 sacks in 15 games. He was surrounded by talented young receivers such as Nico Collins and Tank Dell, while tight end Dalton Schultz racked up 635 yards and five touchdowns.
The Patriots averaged just 276.2 yards per game in 2023, the third-lowest mark among NFL teams. They were unable to convert in the red zone either, averaging a mere 13.9 points each week.
While New England selected former Washington wide receiver Ja'lynn Polk with the No. 37 pick in the 2024 draft and made veteran free-agency additions such as tight end Austin Hooper and running back Antonio Gibson, the team may continue to struggle offensively in 2024 despite Maye's arrival.