Aaron Rodgers praises Drake Maye after Patriots win over Jets – NBC Sports Boston

Aaron Rodgers is impressed with what Drake Maye has shown in his first three starts as the New England Patriots' starting quarterback.

Maye had several big runs, including a 17-yard touchdown sprint, in the first quarter of Sunday's 25-22 win over the New York Jets. A concussion forced him out of the game early in the second quarter, but he did enough in his brief appearance to earn praise from a future Hall of Famer.

“I think he did a good job with his feet,” Rodgers told reporters. “He's obviously super athletic.” He made a nice run for a touchdown. …

“He’s played well the last few weeks. It’s tough for a rookie quarterback coming in here, but he seems like he’s getting more and more comfortable.”

Before his injury, Maye was on pace to become the Patriots' leading rusher for the third consecutive season. He finished Sunday's game with 46 rushing yards, just two fewer than starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson.

Rodgers and Maye have shown great respect for each other since the third-ranked player made his official NFL debut against the Jets in Week 3. Maye greeted Rodgers – his favorite player as a child – after that game and referred to him as the “GOAT.” Rodgers later reached out to Maye on social media to let him know he appreciated their interaction.

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The Patriots hope to have Maye back for next week's game against the Tennessee Titans. Head coach Jerod Mayo said Maye wanted to return to Sunday's game after his injury, but the 22-year-old would have to go through the NFL's concussion protocol before he could return to the field.