Patriots news: Christian Gonzalez highlights respect for Drake Maye amid 1-1 start

New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez says Drake Maye has become a true leader for the locker room as the team builds momentum after a 1-1 start to the 2026 season. Entering his second year, Maye is trusted alongside fellow standouts Gonzalez named linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley and veteran receiver Stefon Diggs. Gonzalez pointed to Maye’s growth as the quarterback has “found his voice,” noting teammates lean on him and “we go as he goes.” That confidence traces to on-field results: in Week 2, Maye guided New England to a 20-3 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, bouncing back from a 13-10 Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. With head coach Mike Vrabel’s defense also setting the tone, the Patriots look to rally again in Week 3 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars.