Before the last preseason game against the Washington Commanders, everything indicated that the experienced Jacoby Brissett would be in the starting lineup in the first week against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Patriots coach Jerod Mayo left the door ajar for rookie Drake Maye to get the job, still calling it a “competition.” But listening to offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt on Thursday, the plan was always to have Brissett at the helm to start the season.
Still, did Maye at least make it interesting and give the team a reason to rethink their plan during the 20-10 loss to the Commanders?
He did. Whether he did enough to overtake Brissett is debatable. Given the terrible play of the offensive line, that will also factor heavily into the decision.
Brissett started the game and only played in one series. He injured his right throwing shoulder when he was sacked. The Patriots managed a few first downs with Brissett at quarterback, but that was it before they punted and the baton was passed.
Maye entered the game during the second offensive series and immediately brought life to the unit. Bad snaps, a lost shoe, no matter, he immediately put together an impressive 11-play, 88-yard run after taking Brissett’s place.
As mentioned, the poor play of the offensive line – the starters except David Andrews – did not help Brissett and Maye. There were too many illegal lineup penalties, with Chuks Okorafor and Michael Onwenu both receiving a penalty for lining up too far behind the line.
Rookie guard Layden Robinson also had a tough time, missing blocks and committing a holding penalty. Center Nick Leverett, meanwhile, had problems with the exchange when Maye was under center (two fumbled snaps). In total, there were seven flags (4 illegal formations, 2 holdings, 1 false start) in the offensive line in the first half alone.
Given the ongoing issues up front, it’s difficult to put a quarterback behind that line.
It should also be noted that the Commanders did not use their regular players, which puts things into perspective even more.
How did Brissett and Maye fare in the end? Here’s a little insight.
Brissett: He threw his first pass high to Antonio Gibson. On the third and fifth attempts, he caught the blitz and managed to get the ball to Gibson just in time, who gained a 13-yard lead.
He was brought down by KJ Henry on a 1st and 10 from the Commanders’ 47-yard line. He injured his shoulder on that play. On the next play, he connected with tight end Jaheim Bell for a 6-yard gain. On a 3rd and 11, Brissett threw the ball forward but couldn’t get to it with KJ Osborn on the left sideline. It was thrown well and Osborn got his hand on it but couldn’t catch it.
During one series, Brissett completed 2 of 4 passes for 19 yards and a sack. He looked better than he did in his first two games. The shoulder injury clouds that. It remains to be seen how serious it might be.
May: On his first series, he took the 1st and 10 attempt at the 12-yard line.
Even though the cards were stacked against him – like Brissett –, his line was full of holes, and he had a replacement center whose first shotgun snap for Maye was a ground ball, the rookie remained calm.
Then it was 2nd and 18 from the 4-yard line.
What happened next was eye-opening – in a positive sense.
On a third-and-14 attempt, Maye changed his mind on the pass he had in mind, tucked the ball in and ran 17 yards. He didn’t slide, which wasn’t the smartest choice, but that sprint got the offense out of trouble.
He later converted a 3rd-and-8 from the Commanders’ 35-yard line by hitting Pop Douglas on a lateral route. He had previously hit Ja’Lynn Polk on the same route for a 29-yard gain, both major league throws from the strong-arm rookie.
A few plays later, he hit Kevin Harris on the flat play and the defender ran 18 yards to the goal.
Maye played the rest of the first period. There were too many penalties and errors for him to do much else. He also missed a few connections during the drive. But the overall picture remained positive for the rookie, who was selected third overall.
He had a two-minute drill just before halftime. On a second attempt from the 48-yard line with 36 seconds left, it looked like Maye had thrown a touchdown pass to KJ Osborn – he ran left to avoid the rush, then threw a pass on the left side that hit the completely free Osborn, who ran into the end zone.
Only it was recalled: illegal formation, Okorafor.
Maye finished the game 13 of 20 passing for 125 yards and a touchdown. At least it looks like Maye is going to be a player. He looks like a real player, if he ever gets there.
Milton/Zappe: The only question with these two is who stays as the third quarterback and who goes. Or will both stay?
Joe Milton III came into the game in the third quarter. He had a few highlights, including a 20-yard run. The other was a 34-yard pass to Matt Landers where he somehow managed to flick the ball to his receiver while being hit.
In terms of passing, however, it was not a good evening for the 6th round rookie. He only completed 5 of 17 passes for 78 yards. He was often off the mark.
As for Bailey Zappe, his status going forward will be interesting with Brissett getting injured. He seemed like an outside hitter, but will he be released before cutdown day on Tuesday?
He was used for a series at the end of the fourth quarter. He had one pass attempt, but he failed to complete it.
