When the New England Patriots selected Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft out of North Carolina, many hoped Maye would be starting Week 1.
When New England ended its preseason slate, Maye clearly outplayed NFL veteran Jacoby Brissett, further proving Maye should start Week 1.
After the Patriots’ 1-4 start in which Brissett failed to eclipse 200 passing yards once, Maye was finally named their starting quarterback.
On Sunday, Oct. 13 in his first regular season start, Maye tossed his first career touchdown.
Maye’s touchdown pass, which put New England on the board late in the second quarter, was a 40-yard BOMB to former LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. After struggling early and throwing an interception, looking more like a nervous rookie, Maye settled down to close the Patriots’ gap to one possession before halftime.
Maye threw his second touchdown late in the third quarter to tight end Hunter Henry, closing New England’s deficit to 27-14.
Maye compiled one of the best two-year careers as a starting quarterback in UNC history: throwing for 8,018 yards and 63 touchdowns, being named the 2022 ACC Player and Rookie of the Year, plus finding himself in the Heisman Trophy conversation in both 2022 and 2023.
Drake Maye’s first career TD pass was a DIME 🪙
pic.twitter.com/Wp4WwoPQhw— PFF (@PFF) October 13, 2024
Maye had the likes of Josh Downs and Devontez Walker to catch his passes in Chapel Hill – and as he plays more in New England, he’ll start to find chemistry with his new wide receivers. One could make the case that Maye and Boutte have already found that chemistry, hence their connection for a score on Sunday.
The Patriots might not win many games this year, but at least they now know why they drafted Maye third overall.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.