On the way to the second NFL appearance in the career of young Drake Maye, There is a tension in the air that only a Patriots rookie quarterback can create. You can almost feel the tension as fans wonder how much more of the field the former Tar Heel will see this week against the EaglesLast week, Maye only got a taste of the action – just one ride, actually – but everything indicates that the Patriots will give him a little more on his plate this time.
Let’s rewind to the first game for a moment. It was against the Carolina Panthers, and while Maye did not remain the key to the offensive for longhe managed to complete two of three passes for a modest 19 yards. Nothing spectacular, but enough to calm nerves, both his own and those of the fans. There’s a reason they call it a “learning curve,” and Maye is just getting started. As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” and they didn’t take that seriously with this young quarterback either.
Let us not forget that Maye is not the only one who is new to his role. New head coach Jerod Mayo is also finding his way. Mayo, a familiar face in New England, wore the Patriots’ colors as a linebacker for eight seasons, but now he is in charge from the sidelines. Sure, He has served in various coaching roles, but being the boss is a whole new thing. Last week he decided to play it safe and limit Maye’s presence, and who could blame him? It was Mayo’s first preseason game as head coach, and Like a good shepherd, he carefully guides his young quarterback.
Given what is at stake, this cautious approach makes sense. Maye was number 3 in the 2024 NFL Drafta selection that brings its own pressure and expectations. But here’s the catch – New England didn’t automatically make him the starter. Instead, they trust Jacoby Brissett, an NFL veteran with eight years of experience who knows a thing or two about running an offense. It’s rare to see a top-three pick sit on the bench these days, but in Foxborough, it seems to be part of a bigger plan.
When the Patriots face the Eagles this week, we all expect to see a little more of Maye. Maybe it will be more than just a drive; maybe it will be enough to give us a real glimpse of what this kid can do against NFL defenses. After all, Joe Milton III attracted most of the attention in the first warm-up game, and now it’s Maye’s turn to adapt to the speed and intensity of the pros.
One thing is clear: There is no mad rush to push Maye into the starting lineup. Coach Mayo also said this and noted that Maye, like any rookie, still has a lot of work to do. And that is the truth. The jump from college football, especially from the ACC, to the NFL is steep. Sure, Maye shone in college, throwing 63 touchdowns and rushing for 8,000 yards, but the ACC is not the SEC and NFL defense is a whole different league.
So what is the conclusion? Well, The Patriots are playing long-term with Drake Maye. Every snap he takes, every throw he makes in these preseason games is to build a foundation. The more time he spends on the field now, the better equipped he will be when the time comes to really take the reins. And Who knows, maybe in a few years we will look back on this preseason and say: “That’s where it all started.” But for now let’s just wait and see how the story unfolds.
