Maye emphasizes importance of fast start in game against Jaguars in London originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The New England Patriots are not a strong offensive team. They enter Week 7 as the NFL’s second-lowest scoring team at just 13.8 points per game.
Simply put, they are not a team built to play from behind if their opponent takes an early lead.
That’s why it’s so important for the Patriots to get off to a good start in Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London.
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Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye mentioned his quick start in Friday’s press conference.
Asked about performing for a London crowd, May told reporters: “Yeah, I think it would be fun. I think it would be great.” “Hopefully this week, we’re going to get the run game going. I think that’s a big emphasis, especially in this league and our offense. Getting the run game going, getting passing lanes, and like you said, getting different players. That’s my job.
“We need to start fast. Coach has been preaching that all week. So that’s our job, and our real job on offense as quarterbacks is – touching the ball every play. – Get moving quickly and get the players moving.”
The Patriots have lost 37-14 in the first quarter through six games this season. In the last four games, that difference is 30 wins and 7 losses. The Houston Texans took on the Patriots last week in Maye’s first career start, jumping out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter before the AFC South leaders won 41-21 at Gillette Stadium.
Additionally, the Patriots completed a punt on their first offensive possession in every game this season.
The good news for the Patriots is that the Jaguars aren’t a strong starting team either. Jacksonville has lost 37-20 in the first quarter this season. The Jaguars have scored just three points in the first quarter in their last two games.
If the Patriots are going to win this game, they need to get an early lead and keep the football going. That would make May’s job much easier. The key to achieving this goal is to eliminate penalties and turnover. Both plagued New England for six weeks.
