Superlatives of the 2024 season for the Tar Heels in the NFL

A good long-term investment won’t bring an immediate boom, but it’s reliable and will pay off in the long run – like Drake Maye. The question is not “if” Maye will get his chance, but “when.”

Going into the season, Maye is expected to back up veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett. I expect Maye to get the nod at some point this season, but it’s more likely he’ll get his real chance next season and really hit his stride in the coming seasons.

The Patriots are the dynasty of the 2000s. But it’s also a franchise that has become restless. The Patriots are looking for a guy to pull them out of the mud and get them back on the winning track. It’s a great place for Maye to show he’s the man.

Sure, Maye won’t be there from the start and he’ll face a lot of pressure from the fans, but Maye is a relentless fighter who rises to the challenge. Maye grew up with three older brothers, so he’s a tough kid who has always fought his way from the bottom to the top.

On August 13, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters about Maye’s performance in training camp.

“He’s consistent. I think if I had to say one word, it would be consistent. He’s always in the building, always learning. He’s out here trying to get better every day.”

Since then, Maye scored his first NFL preseason touchdown, running it in from the 4-yard line on a quarterback read option play (see below). Maye looked solid, throwing for 47 passing yards, completing 6 of 11 passes and running for another 15 yards.

On one particular play, Maye showed his confidence. As the pocket collapsed, Maye stepped to his left and threw a beautiful 50+ yard pass that perfectly guided his receiver, hit him on the hands, and was then dropped.

I believe in Maye’s work ethic and talent, and he has the potential to be a very special long-term investment.