Drake Maye still feels like he hasn’t aired the ball out in camp

Building on his bounce-back performance from Thursday, Drake Maye put together another solid practice on Friday going 11-14 including 4-5 in the red zone.

“I think red zone is all about accuracy, fitting it in tight windows, being on time, that matters,” Maye said. “Some of these throws are the first time I’m throwing a route against a real guy.

“That’s the thing, building chemistry and getting different guys in there and kind of learning how they run routes and timing,” Maye added. “I think we’re hitting a groove and we just have to keep it going and take it on into the preseason.”

The rookie quarterback thrived on short throws, hitting LaMichael Pettway and Kayshon Boutte for touchdowns during the red zone 7-on-7 period. He also had completions to Demario Douglas, and Ja’Lynn Polk among others during the practice.

Maye has shown flashes of his arm strength during 1-on-1s and team drills this summer, but says there’s still more to accomplish as far as deep throws. He said that he had a shot at one on Friday, but recognized that the defense dropped back into a cover 2, and throwing into that might not have been the best decision.

“I feel like I throw the football pretty well down the field still haven’t really felt like I’ve aired it out yet but I think it’s coming,” Maye said. “I’m looking forward to it and just be smart with those plays, don’t throw it into coverage. We’re trying to get a specific look so if it’s not there just make the right play.”

Maye said one of his biggest adjustments this summer has been learning to time his footwork with the concepts the offense is running. He said he’s focusing on improving each day and doing the little things right while looking forward to his preseason debut next week.

“I think I made some nice throws,” Maye said. “I think I’m throwing the football well. There’s still little things that I could do better. One of the fakes, I could have done a better job selling the fakes.

“Little things like that go a long way in this league … so just trying to do those things well and just pump up the guys, being the guy out there conditioned and staying after practice getting extra throws that I missed. Just trying to take it day by day but I feel like I’m throwing it pretty well.”