Rookie Maye Makes Unremarkable Debut in Patriots’ Loss to Jets

In a highly anticipated debut, the 2024 NFL Draft’s third overall pick entered the field as quarterback for the New England Patriots during their Thursday night game against the New York Jets. The Patriots, trailing towards the end of the game, brought in Drake Maye in the fourth quarter. Despite high expectations, Maye completed 4 of 8 passes, recording 22 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, and finished with a passer rating of 56.2. Additionally, he scrambled twice for a total gain of 12 yards.

Before Maye’s appearance, the Patriots’ offense, led by starter Jacoby Brissett, struggled significantly. The team managed only 139 yards and 11 first downs in the first half, showing a need for change. Head Coach Jerod Mayo decided to take the opportunity to give Maye some playing time for his development.

“I just thought it was an opportunity, a good opportunity for him to go out there with the ones and put a few drives together,” said Mayo. “He moved the ball, and we’ll watch the film and evaluate.”

Despite the game’s outcome already being decided, Maye faced a formidable Jets defense during his stint. He threw an incompletion on his first NFL play and was sacked twice, including on the final play of the game as Mayo opted not to call a timeout.

Throughout the preseason, Maye displayed potential with his big and accurate arm, leading to expectations that he could be the franchise’s future. Although the Patriots did not secure a win against the Jets, dropping them to a 1-2 record, incorporating Maye into games is seen as a step towards fostering his growth for future success.

As the Patriots are not anticipated to contest strongly for the playoffs this season, developing Maye by giving him valuable game time is among their priorities. Observers will keenly watch how New England manages its quarterback lineup in the coming games, likely retaining Brissett in the starting position for now.