In limited action through the first two preseason games of his NFL rookie campaign, former North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye is looking every bit of a third overall pick.
Maye only played one series vs. his hometown Carolina Panthers on Thursday, Aug. 8, but complete two of his three passes for 19 yards.
Maye outplayed himself in the New England Patriots‘ second preseason game a week later, breaking a 3-3 tie late in the second quarter by scoring his first NFL touchdown – on a 4-yard read option.
Even though Maye has looked better than likely starter Jacoby Brissett through two preseason games, New England’s offensive linemen are struggling. If you’re a football fan like myself, this can spell massive doom for a quarterback, particularly a rookie still getting his feet wet.
Brissett was brought in to give New England a proven, veteran starter with a history of success (in terms of stats), plus Maye can learn from Brissett and not be rushed into starting action.
Jerod Mayo says the OL situation wouldn’t keep the team from starting Drake Maye if he beats Jacoby Brissett for the QB1 job
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) August 16, 2024
Just how bad was the Patriots’ offensive line in their 14-13 preseason loss against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday? Check out what Boston Herald reporter Andrew Callahan said.
#Patriots QBs got "sacked" on 10 of 48 dropbacks in team periods today against the Eagles.
An uncool 20.8% of the time.
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) August 13, 2024
Dealing with pocket pressure isn’t anything new for Maye, who was named 2022 ACC Player and Rookie of the Year. We learned of Maye’s impressive running abilities during his 2022 campaign, in which he led UNC with 698 rushing yards.
New England has one more preseason game: Sunday, Aug. 25 at 8 p.m. ET at the Washington Commanders. When will Maye’s head coach, Jerod Mayo, make a decision on who earns the Patriots’ starting quarterback nod?
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