There was a hint of Josh Allen when Drake Maye ran toward the end zone and scored his first touchdown. However, the UNC alumnus could not replicate Allen’s consistency and failed to shine with his passing in the second preseason game.
The Patriots recently faced the Eagles in a preseason game at Gillette Stadium, but were unable to pull off a win, losing 14-13. Maye, who lasted just one drive and completed just two passes for 19 yards, got more time and performed better than he did last time, but that probably wasn’t enough to earn him a spot in the Patriots’ starting lineup.
Gregg Rosenthal was back with another episode of the NFL Daily podcast where he reacted to Maye’s performance against the Eagles.
Rosenthal called it a “Drake Maye” night and felt that while the UNC alumnus showed moments of brilliance, he didn’t do enough to earn the QB1 spot. He lacked consistency and ultimately didn’t capitalize on the opportunity he was given enough to give Jacoby Brissett tough competition for the starting spot.
“He (May) There were moments where he flashed, but there weren’t enough sustained moments to really put pressure on Brissett. I don’t think Maye was consistent enough, but there were moments. There were moments where he flashed, but there was also stagnation. Things were slow for him.“
Maye was vocal in the practice game, changing plays and getting a touchdown on his second drive. But the second half was filled with stagnation, including a fumbled snap. Maye was slow to come up with his reads.
Despite Brissett’s disappointing performance and Maye’s improved performance, the rookie quarterback was unable to unseat the veteran, and Jerod Mayo’s postgame comments strongly suggested that Brissett would retain his spot in the starting lineup.
Head coach Jerod Mayo clarifies his stance on the QB1 spot
Maye quadrupled his snaps, appearing in 24 games and completing 6-11 passes for 47 yards and a rushing TD. He outperformed veteran Jacoby Brissett, who completed just 3-7 passes and threw an interception in tight coverage.
But apparently it wasn’t enough.
According to NBC Sports, coach Mayo was pleased with Maye’s progress and praised his composure and execution of the game plan. While the team plans to gradually increase Maye’s playing time, Mayo confirmed Brissett’s current status as a starter.
While Mayo stresses that there is competition for every spot on the roster, he believes Brissett has earned his job and will likely keep it even if Maye outperformes him in some preseason games. The 21-year-old will not take over the starting spot until he proves he has surpassed Brissett and is ready.
“He (May) had great composure. I thought he went out there and did a lot of good things. It was always the plan to let him play more. To me, we always talk about competition, and that goes for all positions. So, even if Drake beats Jacoby, I mean, he’s earned that role. If he’s ready and he’s better than Jacoby, then he’ll play; he’ll start.”
Brissett will likely be a starter to begin the season and will hold that position for now, but if the veteran continues to make mistakes like he did in the preseason, fans may see Drake Maye on the field more often, even in his first year.
