This preseason, the New England Patriots had one of the NFL’s most intense position fights as supporters anxiously anticipated the selection of the starting quarterback. Ultimately, head coach Jerod Mayo selected veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett over rookie quarterback Drake Maye to start at quarterback for the Patriots on September 8.
Many were interested to see how the rookie, chosen by the Patriots with the third overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, would respond to the announcement. The former standout from North Carolina handled it rather well, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.
Maye stated, “I’m here to support Jacoby and maintain a positive atmosphere in the quarterback room.” “There won’t be any changes. I continue to support him. It’s a learning lesson for both of us—me in my first year, him having played in the NFL for almost ten years. I question him endlessly.
The youngster assured Brissett—who shares a locker with Maye—that he was there for him and that “whatever he needs from me, I’ll do the same.”
Drake Maye should thrill the Patriots following a solid preseason.
Drake Although Maye might not start for the Patriots in Week 1 as a rookie, he demonstrated enough to give fans hope that he will be the team’s long-term quarterback. Since Tom Brady left, New England has been in quarterback purgatory, but Maye can step in and fill the void.
Although he didn’t do much this preseason, it was more than enough to maintain hope. All of Maye’s college qualities were evident, including her athleticism, inventiveness, and arm prowess. He did, however, also exhibit some of the efficiency and cognitive skills required of an NFL quarterback, along with some more erratic performance during his time at North Carolina.
The greatest of the bunch was his performance in the final preseason game, a 20-10 loss to the Commanders. Maye carried the ball three times for 17 yards and finished 13-for-20 for 126 yards and a score. He consistently placed the ball in the appropriate area and made fast, cool selections. If you’re a Patriots fan, these are all fantastic indicators.
When Maye will start playing for the Patriots’ first team is still up in the air and mostly depends on how Jacoby Brissett performs behind a very dubious offensive line and mediocre weapons. Maye has demonstrated that he’s prepared for the opportunity, should Jerod Mayo choose to take the leap.
Patriots allegedly offered “backup” arguments for these positions.
The Patriots allegedly made sure their apparent need would be met, even though it could have been handled at the waiver wire.
Guard Zach Thomas, defensive tackle Eric Johnson II, offensive tackle Demontrey Jacobs, and linebacker Curtis Jacobs were all claimed off waivers by New England last week. The additions provided depth in the trenches, and the Patriots, ranked third on the waiver wire order, were in a strong position.
However, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots filed “backup” claims on three additional offensive linemen and one defensive lineman. Who those guys might have been is open for speculation, but it does underscore how crucial the offensive and defensive lines were to the front office.
The players from New England who were not claimed off waivers were added to the practice squad. All eyes will be on the offensive line and a defensive line without Christian Barmore and Matthew Judon when the Patriots travel to Cincinnati to play the Bengals on September 8. It is unknown if the Patriots will make any more signings before the season opens on September 8.
