For the UNC football team, Drake Maye’s touchdowns have been no rarity over the past two seasons: The former star quarterback scored 79 times during his career with the Tar Heels.
On Thursday, August 15, Maye scored his first NFL touchdown. In the New England Patriots’ Week 2 preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Maye gave his team a 9-3 lead as time expired in the second quarter by keeping the football and scoring on a read option.
New England’s scoring drive was Maye’s first extended preseason appearance after completing just one drive against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1. In the first half of the Patriots-Eagles game, Maye completed 5 of 7 passes for a New England-best 47 passing yards. Maye also showed off his running ability, carrying the ball twice for 10 yards and scoring a touchdown late in the second quarter.
Compare Maye’s first half to that of projected starter Jacoby Brissett, who completed 3 of 7 passes for 17 yards and an interception. Maye has already looked more impressive than Brissett through two games, despite lacking NFL experience.
Drake Maye scored the first NFL touchdown of his career!!
THE FIRST OF MANY!!🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/jy39CFRfkH
— Pat’s Buzz (@PatsBuzz) 16 August 2024
If Drake Maye continues to shine in the preseason, his head coach Jerod Mayo will have to make a difficult decision regarding the starting quarterback position.
This is Maye’s second time playing against an NFL defense. Although he doesn’t face many regulars, professional football players are a much bigger challenge than college stars.
Where will Maye land in New England’s lineup when we start the NFL regular season?
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