“Sometimes you get into practice mode where you’re just running plays, not really tuned in and trying to run specific plays, just trying to get into a rhythm, like, ‘Hey, we’re just running plays here for nothing.’ ‘” Maye said. “I really tried to challenge those guys and challenge myself to take every play and know that when the game comes, when this play is called, it matters. There are so many times throughout the game that you see how much one play impacts the participation of the game. “I was trying to communicate with them and I probably flubbed a few words trying to do it, but I think those guys respected it.”

According to members of the offensive, Maye’s speech motivated them. Practice looked cleaner on Thursday and Friday. The players seemed more committed. The week ended with a 19-3 victory over Chicago Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field.

The running game, after weeks of weak and inefficient production, finally picked up, with Rhamondre Stevenson racking up 74 yards on 20 carries. Maye completed 15 of 25 passes for 184 yards and a touchdown to fellow rookie Ja’Lynn Polk. The offensive line only allowed one sack. The Patriots committed a turnover, when Maye did not put enough thrust on a ball he was trying to throw.

Maye’s message seemed to resonate.

“After that speech, we picked it up,” said wide receiver DeMario Douglas, who caught four passes for 50 yards. “We responded in practice. You could tell that our energy changed. I think we were surprised to see him talking to the whole group. “That was something we needed.”

Polk added: “We needed that from our starting quarterback. Everyone loved it. Everyone wants to be held to a certain standard on this team. “It shows you a lot about the guys we have in the room.”

Maye, who turned 22 in August, is the youngest starting quarterback in the NFL. Since replacing Jacoby Brissett in Week 6, he has been working to find a balance of earning the respect of his teammates without overstepping his boundaries.

His leadership skills have manifested themselves on the field, as evidenced by his great throws and ability to extend plays. Maye regularly demonstrates toughness not only fighting and playing through contact but also withstanding big hits and playing under pressure.

With just five starts in his career, Patriots coaches and players are starting to see Maye evolve as a leader off the field as well. Douglas said Wednesday was the first time Maye addressed the entire offense.

“He’s really starting to take control of the offense and the team,” coach Jerod Mayo said. “When you go out and perform at a high level, that’s the first step. The next step is to bring others with you. “I think it’s on its way.”

Maye knows that one speech won’t drastically change the outcome of the season. With seven games remaining, the Patriots find themselves near the bottom of the AFC.

But as the organization navigates its rebuild, Maye appears to understand the importance of his role in establishing the team’s culture and building a productive offense. He has made a genuine effort to get to know his teammates, texting them after practice, inviting them to dinner and sending them clips while watching movies at home.

“Little things like that can go a long way,” Maye said. “Try to get to know each guy on a personal level. Then it’s like, ‘Oh, hey, I know Drake, he cares about me.'”

After Sunday’s game, Maye took a seat in the interview room for cornerback Christian González’s press conference, listened intently and then applauded when González finished answering questions. Once Maye took the podium, he jokingly asked reporters to put down their phones and “clap for the defense.”

That energy or, in catcher Kendrick Bourne’s words, “aura,” is contagious.

“He’s been doing a great job as a quarterback just controlling the offense,” offensive lineman Michael Onwenu said. “We all trust him. We all love him. It is easy to go to war over him.”

During the offense’s struggles this season, Patriots players made it clear that losing weight was weighing on them. Finding the motivation to put the team’s interest first can be difficult when results don’t follow..

As the team works to finish the season on an upward trajectory, Maye is doing her part and has shown that she is not afraid to speak up and push others too.

“We all want to do better and play better for him, whether it’s in practice or in a game,” Onwenu said. “You can’t play a good game without practicing well. That’s his message and that’s what we did.”

You can contact Nicole Yang at [email protected]. follow her @nicoleyang.