Earlier this week, it was reported that the Patriots will start rookie third-overall pick Drake Maye at quarterback tomorrow vs the 4-1 Houston Texans. Jerod Mayo announced on Wednesday, stating he believes Maye gives the team their best chance to win.
“I think Drake gives us our best chance to win now and going forward. He’s been getting better every single week as I said before, in training camp, he actually was trending at a very high rate.” Said Mayo in Wednesday’s conference.
Is it a Mistake to Start Drake Maye?
The Patriots now stand at 1-4 after winning their first game of the season, as the offense has sputtered along the way. Protection has struggled immensely, the running game is hit or miss, and the receiving core still struggles to get open. Yes, Jacoby Brissett has limitations as a quarterback, but it was asking a lot from him expecting success with that type of personnel surrounding him. Alex Van Pelt will need to do his absolute best at simplifying the offense for Maye to avoid disaster and potential injury, especially against a stout Texans defensive unit. On the bright side, Maye does boast high-level arm strength which could make him more effective in the offense than Brissett.
But what are some of the ramifications that can result from this timing of deciding to put a rookie quarterback in his first NFL game action? We have seen several examples of rookie quarterbacks who have yet to develop being thrown into bad offensive situations, and their chances at development are either hindered or ruined as a result. The most recent example of this is Bryce Young, as the Panthers started him in week one of his rookie 2023 season. Not only did Young struggle immensely, but he is currently riding the bench in Carolina with 14-year veteran Andy Dalton starting after a disastrous start to his career.
Considering how this could potentially backfire, many are wondering why Mayo decided to start Maye against an elite defense in the Texans instead of the week before against a struggling and injured Dolphins unit. What makes the Texans’ defense intimidating is their ability to get after the quarterback with pass rushers Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, and Azeez Al-Shaair. With the Patriots’ woes at protecting the quarterback, it will be interesting and nerve-wracking to see how Maye fares against the Texans’ defensive front.
What may also put more pressure on Maye is the absence of Rhamondre Stevenson due to a foot injury. The running game as a result is going to have less depth and the offense may have to rely on their passing game more as a result. The best way to offset any pressure put on Maye would be for Van-Pelt to incorporate a quick pass-play game plan with plenty of screens in the mix.
Fellow rookie and first overall pick by the Bears Caleb Williams also played against this same Texans defense in just his second career start, and was sacked seven times and threw two interceptions in a loss. On the bright side, Williams has since played much better, and looks like he is starting to get a better feel for NFL defenses. Even if Maye struggles, there is still optimism to be had that he can learn from any miscues and use it to get better as the season progresses.
At this point, starting Maye doesn’t seem to be the wrong decision by Coach Mayo as Brissett clearly hasn’t shown he can be effective, but the timing of when Maye is thrown into action is what people are questioning. Patriots fans everywhere are hoping Maye can come out of the game with his confidence and development unscathed and perhaps show some of the potential that got him drafted third overall. Because, if Maye can prove he can be a quality starting quarterback in this league, the Patriots could move forward in 2024 and beyond with some real optimism.
