It looks like Drake Maye is fully prepared for his NFL debut, but the New England Patriots are playing the long game, holding off on starting their rookie sensation just yet. Head coach Jerod Mayo pointed to “a lot of factors” behind this decision.
All About the Offensive Line
Mayo kept it close to the vest, but let’s not kid ourselves—the state of the Patriots’ offensive line is undoubtedly a major factor. Remember David Carr, the top pick back in 2002? His rookie year was a disaster, with an astonishing 76 sacks—a cautionary tale for sure.
Learning from the Sidelines
So, what’s the play here? Maye will get a front-row seat to learn from veteran signal-caller Jacoby Brissett. The coach’s decision may not be what Maye envisioned, but he’s taking it all in stride.
“I wouldn’t say disappointed; obviously, I want to play,” Maye expressed with a mix of humility and hunger. “That’s the competitive edge in me. At the same time, I understand the situation. Jacoby has been in the offense and gotten the reps with ones all camp. So, I can’t say I’m disappointed, but at the same time, I want to be playing.”
The Waiting Game
Mayo avoided diving into “hypotheticals” about how long Brissett will hold the starting job. Patience is key, but fans can expect Maye to get his shot sooner rather than later. The preseason finale threw a curveball when Brissett left with a shoulder injury—it was a shoulder scare, though he’s okay. This was a wake-up call for Maye to stay battle-ready.
“I’m still one play away, so just have to be ready for all circumstances and I’m here to help Jacoby and keep the vibes in the quarterback room up because nothing is going to change,” Maye commented, showing his readiness and team spirit. “I’m still rooting for him and cheering for him.”
Rookie Roll Call
While Maye takes the wait-and-watch approach, rookies from other teams are jumping straight into the action. Chicago’s Caleb Williams, Washington’s Jayden Daniels, and Denver’s Bo Nix are all set to start. But for now, Maye will have to bide his time.
“I feel like I left it all out there,” an introspective Maye reflected. “I have no regrets going back, and in the end, that’s how it worked out. Like I said, I’m going to keep the right mindset, and I know this is the NFL. Shoot, it ain’t like anybody is just going out there and getting even second-team as a quarterback. Just be the blessed person I am and thank God for his blessings.”
