Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

The day Patriots fans have been waiting for is finally here. Drake Maye was named the Patriots starting quarterback on Tuesday. So what does it mean for the team moving forward?

Well, for one we will finally get a look at the potential franchise quarterback in a real game setting, not just practice or a preseason game. I know some folks will mention his garbage time drive against the Jets two weeks ago but do not put much stock into that. The other thing is, he will give the Patriots offense a spark, something they desperately need.

Come Sunday, we will get a better idea of just how much Maye has come along in his development the past few weeks.

Of course getting his first career start against the Houston Texans is not ideal considering the current state of the offensive line and the fact that the Texans boast one of the top pass rushes in the NFL, but is there ever really a good time to insert a rookie quarterback into the line-up during the season?

The Patriots had no choice. They had to start Maye at some point. Whether it was now or six weeks from now, he was going to play eventually.

The reality is, the offensive line isn’t going to improve much and Jacoby Brissett’s play has regressed. The Patriots could not afford to justify starting him anymore. Brissett was not performing at a level that would give the team a chance to win.

We all understand that these are not ideal circumstances for Maye and this decision could backfire if the team cannot protect him and he struggles but it is now or never. Maye has to play.

The Patriots could no longer afford to keep him in bubble wrap. It was bad for business. Do not think for one second that the success of Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Bo Bix did not factor into this decision. It one hundred percent did, especially if the mandate to start Maye came from above.

Patriots coach Jerod Mayo has been hinting at the possibility of Maye starting for weeks now. The day is finally here. It is Maye Day. We will now get to see what the kid can do.

Like it or not, now is the time. The Patriots could no longer afford to wait. Time was up. They had to make the switch. It will be a bumpy ride but you have to hope that Maye makes incremental improvements on a week to week basis. If he does, it was the right decision.

Now let’s see if can be “the guy” moving forward. Do not rush to judgement. The kid will make mistakes, but if he develops through playing, he will be better for it in the long run.