Drake Maye is the focus of the preseason as the future franchise quarterback of the New England Patriots.
After his brief appearance against the Carolina Panthers, he improved his performance and scored his first NFL rushing touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Maye got his next chance for the Patriots on Sunday night in the final game of the season against the Washington Commanders. The rookie took the field for New England’s second drive after Jacoby Brissett got the start.
Maye began his evening with the Patriots at his own 12-yard line. On third and 14, the North Carolina native ran and fought his way 17 yards and a first down. Later in the drive, Maye showed his strength in the pocket, sliding up under pressure and finding fellow rookie Ja’Lynn Polk for 29 yards.
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With another chance for a third down, Maye stayed patient and threw a pass on a lateral route to Demario Douglas to move the chains. The drive ended when Maye found running back Kevin Harris for an 18-yard touchdown, scoring the first points of the game. The first-year passer completed five of six passes for 71 yards and the touchdown on the drive.
From there, New England’s offense stalled on the next few drives, including Maye’s pass behind Tyquan Thornton on third-and-11. On the three drives following the touchdown, Maye completed four of eight passes for 18 yards.
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The Patriots ended the half with one final possession with 1:23 remaining. Maye looked for his fellow rookie teammates. He overshot Javon Baker down the left sideline before coming back and firing the ball through a collapsing pocket to the same receiver. He followed with a first down conversion to Polk before throwing a sidearm slinging pass to KJ Osborn for a 48-yard touchdown, but it was nullified by a penalty against Chukwuma Okorafor.
The offense set up a 55-yard field goal attempt by kicker Joey Slye at the end of the half, but it fell just short. New England finished the half with a 7-0 lead and ended the night with Maye’s night.
The Patriots rookie completed 13 of 20 air throws for 126 yards, one touchdown and a rating of 99.2.
Before the game, Jerod Mayo left the question of Maye’s role in the competition for the starting quarterback open. Now the Patriots have to make a decision on the quarterback position before Week 1.
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