What to Expect With Drake Maye as QB1 in New England

The New England Patriots are off to a 1-4 start to their 2024 season. New England ranks 31 out of 32 NFL in points scored (62). The team hopes a change at quarterback will help turn things around. According to reports, Drake Maye will replace Jacoby Brissett in the starting lineup for the Patriots in Week 6 against the Houston Texans.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport was the first to report the news.

The future is now in New England: Sources say the #Patriots are planning to start Drake Maye against the #Texans, the first start for the No. 3 overall pick.

Jacoby Brissett, who started the first five games, heads to the bench. pic.twitter.com/NrQQG65A0r

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 8, 2024

The New England Patriots selected Drake Maye with the third overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. He saw limited reps with the first unit throughout training camp, despite head coach Jerod Mayo declaring it an open competition for the starting quarterback job.

Also Read – Should Mayo Have Announced Patriots Starting QB Before Camp?

Maye impressed in limited action during the preseason, though it was largely against backups and players who wouldn’t be on NFL rosters when the season began. He completed 21-of-34 passes for 192 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. Maye ran seven times for an additional 32 yards and another score.

But Mayo announced, “We’re going to play the best players,” and he determined that the best player at quarterback through the first five weeks was Jacoby Brissett.

Jacoby Brissett

Brissett signed a one-year deal in free agency to return to New England. He knew he’d be the bridge quarterback between the Mac Jones Era and Drake Maye taking over the starting role. How long of a bridge that would be was unknown. It turned out to be five games.

Jacoby Brissett won over fans and teammates with his leadership and toughness. He was voted a Patriots team captain in his first season back with the team since 2016. On the field, Brissett repeatedly took a beating and kept getting up. His toughness is unquestioned. Despite his porous offensive line, Brissett never complained to the media about how things were going.

That's @zachsieler doin' his thing. 👊

📺 #MIAvsNE on @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/r7TQMNUMop

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) October 6, 2024

The veteran QB also dealt with some fans rooting for Drake Maye to replace him before he took a single snap. Others were rooting for him to keep playing to avoid getting the rookie taking the beatings being inflicted on Brissett. In many ways, he was put in a no-win situation.

Through five games, Brissett has completed 79-of-135 passes (58.5%) for 696 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Ironically, the quarterback switch comes after Brissett played his best game of the season, per Pro Football Focus. He received a grade of 72.5 for Week 5.

What to Expect From Drake Maye

The hope is that Drake Maye gets some game experience without getting injured. New England center Nick Leverett allowed ten pressures all by himself against the Miami Dolphins in Week 5. That is not conducive to quality quarterback play from anybody.

Maye is better at running with the football and throwing on the run than Brissett. He has a stronger arm as well. Perhaps if he can keep plays alive a bit longer, it will give him more time to find open receivers. There has certainly been some frustration from the wide receiver room in New England this season.

It is also very important that Maye learns to slide and avoid taking unnecessary big hits. This was an issue he had in college. There will be enough of a beating coming his way from the opposing pass rush. He cannot pass up the opportunity to avoid contact when possible.

Most importantly, Maye can bring a spark to the New England Patriots and their fanbase. His ability to make something out of nothing, showcase a beautiful deep ball, or run for a key gain himself is not the forte of Jacoby Brissett. The veteran quarterback might be more safe, but the rookie is certain to get people more excited.

This touchdown was negated by (ANOTHER) penalty on Okorafor, but what. a. throw by Drake Maye pic.twitter.com/gPxLgkY0fT

— Ben Brown 🌻 (@BenBrownPL) August 26, 2024

What Not to Expect From Drake Maye

Maye should not be expected to commit as few turnovers as Jacoby Brissett. Maye’s lack of experience alone will lead to poor decisions and turnovers. The hope is that he will learn from his mistakes and make fewer of them the more he plays.

The one thing people should not expect is for Drake Maye to solve all of the New England Patriots’ problems. They simply have too many of them. With Tom Brady in his prime at quarterback, the Patriots are still not a good football team in 2024. But with Drake Maye at quarterback, they at least just became more interesting.