The New England Patriots will play their second preseason game of the year on Thursday night as the Philadelphia Eagles come to town for another exhibition game before the first week.
While it’s obviously only the preseason, the Patriots and fans have a chance to see what this year’s third pick can do. Drake Maye is expected to return to the field, hopefully for a longer period of time than he played in New England’s debut against the Carolina Panthers. The rookie only played six snaps a week ago and is hoping for another chance to show what he can do against Philadelphia.
And according to those familiar with the situation, it seems that Maye will get even more attention. According to Albert Breer of NFL NetworkThe Patriots prepare to use Jacoby Brissett in the first quarter while Maye comes in to end the first half:
“After playing just one series last week, Patriots QB Drake Maye will see a lot more action tonight. The plan, I’m told, is for Jacoby Brissett to play the first quarter, Maye the second and third quarters, Joe Milton the third and fourth quarters, and Bailey Zappe to close out the game.”
– Albert Breer, NFL Network
It’s a much more exciting plan than the one the coaching staff came up with against the Panthers, where Maye and Brissett were used on just one Patriots drive. Now, QB1 and QB2 of this offense are preparing for about a quarter of the game, with Joe Milton and Bailey Zappe III bringing up the rear.
The lineup could be an indication of what to expect from the rest of the roster on Thursday night. The Patriots could run their starting offensive line with their rookie quarterback. Considering they’ll be facing a dominant force in the trenches like the Eagles, utilizing their best options on offense could be extremely beneficial as New England prepares for a 2-0 start in the preseason.
The Patriots and Eagles kick things off tonight at Gillette Stadium, starting at 7 p.m. ET.
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