The New England Patriots have been urged to make a key move to help quarterback Drake Maye, and it involves taking a page out of the Philadelphia Eagles’ playbook. Specifically, the Patriots are being encouraged to install the Eagles’ RPO (run-pass option) package, which has been highly effective for quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Patriots.com Senior Reporter Evan Lazar is a proponent of this idea, stating that he would “love to see the #Patriots install Philly’s RPO package for Drake Maye. So many layups for Hurts that keep the offense on schedule.” The idea behind this is to make Maye’s job easier by creating manageable down and distance situations.
The Patriots don’t have the same level of talent around Maye that the Eagles have around Hurts, but there’s still merit to this suggestion. Maye’s dual-threat skills would be well-suited to an option-style offense based on packaged plays. Additionally, returning offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has experience calling similar plays in the past.
Jalen Hurts has been highly successful running the Eagles’ RPO package, leading the team to a second Super Bowl appearance in three years. Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel broke down three of Hurts’ favorite option plays, highlighting how the RPO game can create “an easy pitch and catch touchdown. These are the type of plays that Jalen Hurts needs.”
The Patriots could benefit from creating similar easy throwing windows and quick dumpoffs for Maye. This would help reduce the inefficiencies in his gunslinging style that led to 10 interceptions and 34 sacks in 12 starts last season. Additionally, the RPO game would allow the Patriots to unleash Maye on designed runs more often, which could be a key factor in their offense.
Maye has already shown his ability to run effectively out of the option game, averaging 7.8 yards per rush and 22 first downs on the ground as a rookie. The Patriots would be wise to build on this strength and use Maye’s mobility in increasingly creative ways.
Fortunately, Josh McDaniels has experience with the option game, having called similar plays during his time with the Patriots. In 2020, McDaniels called 36 RPOs for quarterback Cam Newton, with 13 passes and 23 runs. While the Patriots didn’t use as many packaged plays with Mac Jones at quarterback, Maye’s dynamic running ability could lead to a resurgence in the option game.
The Patriots may not have the same level of talent as the Eagles, but they can still learn from Philadelphia’s success with the RPO package. By installing a similar system, the Patriots could help Maye take the next step in his development and become a more effective quarterback.
While there are no guarantees, the Patriots would be wise to consider this approach. With Maye’s dual-threat skills and McDaniels’ experience with the option game, the Patriots could create a formidable offense that opponents would struggle to defend.
