Drake Maye was the main reason everyone tuned in to watch the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Carolina Panthers. The debut of the NFL’s third overall draft pick had fans excited.
Maye’s debut lasted six pieces.
The Patriots gave prospective starter Jacoby Brissett and their future quarterback a drive each. Then they brought in Bailey Zappe, to the dismay of everyone in Gilette Stadium and beyond.
Bailey Zappe replaces Drake Maye and enters the game to loud “boos” 😳pic.twitter.com/CgxtgrNHNk
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) 8 August 2024
Perhaps some fans booed Zappe directly, but it seems more likely that the boos were due to Maye’s absence. He was the headliner and barely played.
To be fair, the weather was bad. It’s also possible that the Patriots didn’t want Maye behind a second-team offensive line. Whatever the reason, it annoyed people.
No more Drake Maye??? pic.twitter.com/SXT5q7Uvzm
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) 8 August 2024
Only 1 ride for Drake Maye? pic.twitter.com/cGTpmy600g
— Anthony Cover 1 (@Pro__Ant) 8 August 2024
Just a ride for Drake Maye is disgusting. Wow.
— Brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) 8 August 2024
Brian Hoyer gets more screen time than Drake Maye! What is that??? https://t.co/zN8LN2wHjd
– Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) 8 August 2024
It will be interesting to hear Jerod Mayo’s explanation, but I’m confused/surprised that Drake Maye is only getting one series.
If you’re confident that Jacoby Brissett will be the starter, wouldn’t you like to see Maye play as much as possible now?
Maybe the rain played a role? The bad O-line?
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) 8 August 2024
Preseason games can be tough, whether you’re a fan of the teams playing or not. Certain players are the ones that draw attention. Maye was that guy on Thursday night. He completed 2 of 3 passes for 19 yards, with both completions coming on screens, so it wasn’t exactly a showcase performance.
There’s a reason to be cautious with Maye. The last thing New England wants is for him to suffer an injury that limits his development. However, teams have to find a balance between protecting their quarterbacks and allowing them to make valuable appearances when they can.
The current plan is for Brissett to start, so Maye can’t expect to see much live action outside of the preseason. At least not in the early stages of the season. No one expected him to play the whole game, but it would have been worth letting him take a few drives.
In a week, the Patriots will host the Eagles for their second preseason game. With a little luck, the weather will improve and Maye will get his chance to shine.
