As we work through the last few moves before the NFL regular season, the conversation surrounding Drake Maye and the New England Patriots is still very much alive.
Following a strong performance in the Patriots’ second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles—albeit in a close 13–14 loss—we witnessed a significantly enhanced set of reps for the rookie quarterback from New England subsequent to his six-snap outing, and Maye made the most of it.
Maye ran in a score of his own halfway through the second quarter and completed six of his eleven passes for 47 yards on the night. Compared to what we witnessed in the first from pending QB1 Jacoby Brissett, who finished, it was a little better.
Maye’s recent production—and maybe Brissett’s lack thereof—means that the quarterback battle in New England is fully underway. While some have been adamant that the Patriots’ rookie should start, others have been patient, believing that their third-overall choice should learn under a more experienced player for a while.
But in terms of Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo’s viewpoint, it appears to have changed somewhat from what we initially witnessed when Maye arrived.
In his remarks to the media on Monday, Mayo explained that the coaching staff must be “flexible” in their approach for developing their rookie quarterback. He also disclosed that a decision will be made following the team’s third preseason game against the Washington Commanders.
It appears that the race is as open as it has been in the last days leading up to the next season, based on what Mayo previously pounded early this offseason, when Brissett appeared to be locked in as the QB1 to beat and the best contender in New England’s quarterback room.
Although there is no assurance that Maye will prevail, Mayo’s most recent remarks provide a clear indication that he very well might. In the event that the rookie performs well in his second consecutive preseason game and keeps assembling the parts during practice, this coaching staff might be forced to start him during the regular season.
The Patriots should have no trouble selecting the best quarterback available.
