With the Super Bowl LX just around the corner, the hopes and worries of every supporter are reaching their emotional peak. Inside the squad, it is time for the coaches to take control of these feelings, understanding what they got before their eyes.
An example of this came this week, when Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald addressed his locker room a very important aspect to consider in the future game.
Macdonald focused his thougts on a pivotal asset the Patriots have, Drake Maye. Despite his recent appearance on the injury report as “limited”, Macdonald’s advice to his defense is simple: do not be fooled, and do not let your guard down.
“He has all the things”
While at a press conference, Macdonald was full of praise on a player that has been outstanding since the season began. Does not matter if he will be on the other end of the field on January 9, for Macdonald, his talent is unmatched:
“He is a tremendous player, he really is. He’s strong. He’s fast. All the things. Great arm talent, great decision-making. We’ve got to be on our stuff up front.”
His comments also referenced the Seahawks’ pass-rush defense against Maye’s running abilities, especially during the third-down situations. He said:
“We’re going through that process right now of how we want to play. I think the key is trying to create as many of those (third-and-long) situations as possible.”
Massive respect for the dual-threat player
Speaking on the challenge Maye presents, Macdonald highlighted the rookie’s unique physical profile. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing over 220 pounds, Maye possesses the prototypical frame of a pocket passer but moves with the agility of a much smaller athlete. For a Seahawks defense looking to show consistency, Maye represents the danger that can break a well-designed scheme through sheer athleticism.
However, the narrative surrounding him before heading into this matchup has been clouded by his health. After showing up on the injury report with a knee concern but as “limited”, many analysts wondered if the Patriots would lean more heavily on veteran Jacoby Brissett or if Maye would be limited in his mobility.
But for Macdonald, Maye will be ready at 100%. In the NFL, “questionable” often means “ready to go,” and Macdonald knows that any lapse in preparation based on injury rumors is a recipe for disaster.
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