The Athletic Football Show on Drake Maye

PodcastWeek 2 Hangover: The Chiefs are back, the Seahawks look dominant, and the Steel...September 22, 2026

From the episode

I feel like defenses are kind of realizing that he wants to take those throws a lot of the time and maybe we're seeing teams like squeeze that a little bit better

Mentioned at 57:14 – 59:55

STACKED’s take

Positive signalProjection

Defenses are adjusting to Maye's tendencies, leading to an unsettled offense.

The source observes that defenses are increasingly squeezing the middle of the field against Drake Maye, anticipating his tendency to target that area. While his arm talent remains phenomenal, the offense feels unsettled compared to last season, and Maye's performance has lacked the cleanliness and consistency seen at his peak.