NFL - The Athletic on Drake Maye

ArticleWhy the Patriots felt A.J. Brown was the missing piece following their Super Bo...Captured July 6, 2026
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If that forces teams to play more zone defense against the Pats, well, that should help feed the rest of the team's wideouts — and can play into McDaniels' hand. If they do face more zone coverage, that could also be great for Maye, who led the NFL in completion percentage and yards per attempt against zone.

STACKED’s take

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A.J. Brown acquisition should force more zone looks, playing to Maye's strengths.

Drake Maye led the NFL in completion percentage and yards per attempt against zone coverage last season. The source projects that adding A.J. Brown, an elite man-coverage receiver, will force opposing defenses to play more zone looks against the Patriots, which should amplify Maye's strengths in that coverage type. Additionally, Maye was highly efficient against man coverage despite the Patriots' lack of receivers capable of beating that coverage, suggesting significant upside if the offense can force defenses into zone schemes.

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