After the New England Patriots dealt with mediocre quarterback play for the first several weeks of their season, they finally turned to former UNC standout Drake Maye ahead of Week 6.
Maye, New England’s third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, quickly showed glimpses of potential in his first start. Despite three turnovers, Maye threw for 243 yards and three touchdowns in the Patriots’ 41-21 loss against the Houston Texans, considered by many to be a Super Bowl contender.
Fast-forward to last weekend against the New York Jets and, after a few plays, Maye was back on the sidelines.
Maye completed three of six passes for 23 yards. After a late first-quarter hit from Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood, Maye remained in the game – then later left at the NFL’s discretion.
Maye’s head coach, Jerod Mayo, recently revealed what happened in regards to Maye’s injury and exit.
“I was surprised when (Jim) Whalen told me he (Maye) needed to go the medical tent,” Mayo said in a Monday morning press conference. “He threw a couple of good balls afterward. I thought he was still pretty sharp in those regards. Obviously, it’s above my pay grade as far as pulling him out of the game and putting him in the protocol. It (Maye’s removal) was called down from the league. They wanted to do further evaluation. When I went in there at halftime, he wanted to go back out there, but obviously he didn’t pass the test. And not going to get too far into that. But, at the same time, he went out there and threw a couple good balls after, I guess, supposedly put him in the protocol.”
Concussion have become increasingly common in recent years – and it’s scrutinized when players try and risk their careers after getting knocked. Just look at what Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is doing.
If Maye plays like he did in his two 2024 starts, he’ll have a long NFL career ahead of him. How will New England play without the 2022 ACC Player of the Year?
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