Drake Maye impresses again; was it enough to start him in Week 1?

Posted By on August 25, 2024

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 29: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots walks to the field during the New England Patriots OTA Offseason Workout on May 29, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Drake Maye could find himself in the drivers seat to be the Patriots starting quarterback after his performance in Sunday night’s preseason finale against the Washington Commanders.

Jacoby Brissett started the game but only played one series after he was hit and driven into the ground, tweaking his shoulder. The team announced he was questionable in the second quarter.

Maye led the Patriots on an 11 play, 88 yard scoring drive on his first possession. A drive that was capped off by an 18 yard touchdown catch by running back Kevin Harris. Maye finished 13-of-20 for 143 yards, one touchdown pass and a 99.2 passer rating. He would have had a second touchdown pass on an extended play outside the pocket but it got called back due to a penalty on Chuks Okorafor. 

Jerod Mayo and the offensive staff have a tough decision to make. Mayo has said it is a competition. If that is the case, then the last two weeks might have swung the competition to Maye’s favor. The only way he doesn’t start at this point is the offensive line is bad and the coaching staff doesn’t want to stunt his growth. 

Brissett was brought in to be the placeholder this season and help develop Maye. That might still be the case, but if this is truly a quarterback competition, Maye should be the starter two weeks from today at Cincinnati. He has been the better quarterback, especially of late.