Rookie quarterback Drake Maye impressed in the New England Patriots’ preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night. Not only was he impressive, but he looked better than Jacoby Brissett under center.
One game does not tell the whole story and of course there is still another week of training camp and preseason preparation before a final decision is made.
However, Mayes’ performance seemed to change things. Before the game, everyone seemed convinced that Brissett would be the starting quarterback. He is the more experienced player, and the Patriots wouldn’t dare put the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft behind a ragtag offensive line, right?
Think again.
“If Drake beats Jacoby, he’s earned that role,” Mayo said, via Karen Guregian of MassLive. “And we don’t really consider (the offensive line) when he’s ready … if he’s better than Jacoby, then he’ll play; he’ll start.”
Maye finished the game with 6 of 11 passes for 47 yards, four runs for 15 yards and a touchdown.
His athleticism and ability to manipulate the pocket, along with his accuracy on the long ball, made the offense seem threatening despite all its weaknesses. If he continues like this, the assumption that Brissett will be the starter in Week 1 could be reversed.
