1. Whether you were dying for or dreading this moment, the time has come. Like it or not, the future is now in Foxboro, as Drake Maye will be under center, getting his first NFL start Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
You might have been living in great anticipation of this moment for a host of reasons. Maye was selected third overall out of North Carolina, and with his arm strength, improvisational skills and athletic ability, he represents both a hope for a renewed offensive attack but also something resembling a contemporary playmaker at QB. Maye led all of college football in total yards back in 2022, his first full season at UNC (when he was only 20), and was right behind Washington’s Jayden Daniels (then at LSU) in designed QB runs last season. Point being he can chuck it, and he can scoot.
The Patriots have been through a host of QBs since Tom Brady took his talents to Tampa, but none of them have the physical gifts of Maye, which adds a level of excitement in that we don’t know exactly how much potential he has, or how high his ceiling might well be. One thing we do know is he seems like a genuinely good dude with the right kind of poise, ease and demeanor for such a massive opportunity.
But some, or many, of you might have asked…why now? Why rush the kid out there? He might not be ready, and he might well be on the run for his life all day behind one of the more porous offensive lines in the league, in the face of one of the league’s best defenses in the Houston Texans. This couldn’t really have been “The Plan” all along, could it? Here’s what his coach Jerod Mayo had to say on why Sunday would be Maye Day.
Finally Mayo acknowledged what we all saw and knew: that Jacoby Brissett had reached his limit with this line, these assets and this offense. He wasn't playing well and therefore no longer offered the team the best chance to win. Still, a need to change the dynamic on the offense, add a jolt to the passing game and give the fans something potentially more exciting wasn’t reason enough for many on the local and national scene.
There are fans and media aplenty who believe Maye is being sent into a trap, a lion's den against the Texans. ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky has been wildly vocal about what a bad idea he thinks this is. Mike Giardi from Boston Sports Journal told our WEEI Afternoon Show he flat-out hates the way “The Plan” has been handled, leading into Sunday. Mike Lombardi, who knows the Patriots rather intimately, doesn’t love the fit, but understands why the Pats felt now was the time. And of course there are millions of fans who think Maye will suffer Sunday against that Texans rush.
There’s legitimate reason(s) to be wary of Maye debuting against the Texans, whose pass rush is led by second-year stud Will Anderson and veteran Danielle Hunter (the current NFL leader in QB pressures on a unit that leads the league in QB pressures.) They’re coached by an excellent former NFL linebacker in DeMeco Ryans, whose schemes have given QBs all over a headache this season, most recently Josh Allen, who completed only 30% of his passes in last Sunday’s 23-20 Texans win in Houston. Add that to New England’s, well, suspect O-line, and the rook could be in for a rude awakening Sunday.
On the other side we have analysts who believe that no situation is ideal, and that if one difficult game is enough to break the QB then you best find out what you have in him quickly. Other games on the schedule before the Texans, and after, may have represented a softer entry into the NFL, but desperate times call for desperate measures, as outlined by his offensive coordinator, Alex Van Pelt. AVP was fastidious in his belief that the best way for Maye to learn was “by sitting,” and this week explained why now was the necessary time to make the switch.
Mayo said perhaps the most relevant thing about the switch and the effect Maye has had and will have on the team, offering Friday, “There’s a renewed sense of energy throughout the team.” He added that there was extra hustle from players in and out of the huddle, and most importantly that overall Maye performed very well. Nice to read that the team is excited.
Teammates have already spoken up about Maye and his athleticism, like defensive end Keion White, who brought up the fact that he had three sacks on Maye himself back in 2022 when he was with Georgia Tech and Maye on UNC. White loves Maye’s athleticism and especially his poise, which he believes will allow for grace under pressure now and going forward. White’s not the only one on the field Sunday who believes Maye is pro ready. Even his opponent, Texans standout QB CJ Stroud, thinks Maye has the goods.
High praise from someone who has looked pro ready from day one himself.
Whatever the reason the decision was made to deep six “The Plan” and get Maye out there this Sunday - whether it was truly called for by Mayo or Van Pelt, or an edict from ownership in the face of fan dissent - there’s no denying that the fanbase is fired up again, maybe more so than they have been in years (online chatter, hype reels and such that have been non-existent for ages are returning.) Pats Nation hopes Maye looks as sharp in action as he does in the team’s throwback uniforms, which they’re debuting at home Sunday as well.
This is a potentially historic moment for the team and the league. From a Pats perspective we get that first true test of the guy the team invested their highest draft pick in in over 30 years when the team took Drew Bledsoe first overall in 1993 (for a fun nostalgic look at how all Patriots QBs fared in their debuts take a peek at Steve Buckley’s excellent rundown over at The Athletic.) The organization and fans alike are hoping this is the first of many many starts for the 22-year-old, all looking for that glimmer of hope, that glint of potential that will convince all that the organization made the right call last April. Just three years back people thought the team made the right call with Mac Jones, and how quickly that soured. Stability around the rookie will be just as important as his playmaking skill and ability to decipher defensive fronts.
Another note of interest will be how Maye fares against his fellow rookie QBs from the 2024 draft class. Jayden Daniels has emerged as the standout thus far, with Caleb Williams of Chicago and Bo Nix in Denver progressing by the week. Maye becomes the fourth rookie to get the call, with New Orleans’ Spencer Rattler the fifth (Rattler was taken 150th overall) in place of an injured Derek Carr. 15% of the NFL starting rookie QBs! Truly a new age.
Perspective regionally and nationally, not to mention optimism and belief that the organization is truly beginning the turnaround, are on center stage at Gillette Stadium. While there’s so much unknown, there’s no denying the excitement Maye has already generated. Here’s to hoping he delivers on even a fraction of that excitement Sunday and going forward.
2. OK, but what about the other guy? What about Jacoby Brissett, the man who kept the seat warm, the QB who tried his best despite constantly being under pressure? The classy veteran who never complained but rather tried his best to execute his portion of “The Plan” full well knowing that it ends with someone taking his job? He knew this day was coming. Perhaps later, or so we imagine he hoped. Still, that didn't make it any easier for him.
Brissett, a bit of a sympathetic figure in this, took abuse on the field but never really from the fans, who understood he was put in a largely unwinnable situation. That’s not to say he entirely helped himself as, despite being the most pressured QB in the NFL over the first five weeks of the season he did tend to hold onto the ball too long, perhaps feeding into the pressure rate. His propensity for avoiding turnovers helped keep the Pats in games, but he also lacked the dynamic or downfield plays the team needed at times. The offense became predictable, plodding and stale, thus change was needed, likely sooner than the likes of Mayo, Van Pelt or Eliot Wolf wanted.
Ever the gentleman, Brissett was loved by his teammates, like defensive lineman Davon Godchaux, who called him “the ultimate pro.” Even Drake Maye, who supplants him as QB1, checked in on Brissett to see how he was doing. The nine-year veteran deflected the concern, telling Maye he needn’t worry about him, rather the large task at hand Sunday.
Brissett, now 36-47 as a starter in the NFL, returns to a role he’s known at several different stops in the league: backup QB. Unless injury were to befall Maye, then Brissett will be serving as mentor, assistant and resource for the rookie, though as to the specifics of it, he said, “We’ll see going forward.” It’s difficult for Brissett, who was emotional about getting another chance to start in the NFL, to be benched. He was starting again at the place where his career began, but such is life in the NFL. He likely won't be a distraction and will offer the best support he can. As for the advice from the former NC State QB to the kid from UNC making his first start, Brissett kept it pretty simple: “Play well.”
3. Brissett escaped the majority of the criticism for the offense’s woes/ineptitude/etc mostly because the offensive line was most often in everyone’s crosshairs, and rightly so. They have not been, well, good. Or effective, for the most part. And the line’s play could well be the main reason media and fans alike were anxious about Maye starting anytime soon, let alone against the Texans.
That said, hooting and hollering about the line has gotten old, and considering the injuries across all parts it may not be fair. Sure, the left tackle spot and how it was handled will remain a great Patriot mystery for years to come, and possibly a reason some people’s jobs are changing now, or in the future on this team. However, there’s a chance the line is playing better than the world would have you know? Or at least they might be improving a bit.
Hey! The 20th-best pass protection in Week 5? We’ll take it! Sure it can be better, and will have to with a rookie under center and the league's best pass rush in town. But it’s a start! Progress begins somewhere, right?
Pro Football Focus, believe this or not (you likely won’t), had tackle Vederian Lowe as their top-rated pass-blocking tackle last week. We’re not making this up.
Yes, the Dolphins pass rush didn’t have the same teeth as usual with Jaelan Phillips out for the season (and they can’t hold a candle to the Texans). Again, any and all positive reinforcement for this unit helps. Like OC Alex Van Pelt saying that Lowe is “probably our best pass blocker.” A little praise from the coaches can go a long way…though that won't stop Anderson or Hunter Sunday.
Continuity, thanks to injuries and more, has also been an issue. Good news is the Pats likely will be starting the same offensive line this Sunday for the first time all season.
The team does have options at center, a trouble spot that guard Nick Leverett has had to jump in on with David Andrews down for the season. If Leverett, who gave up several QB pressures last week, struggles on Sunday he could be replaced by Ben Brown, a veteran in his third year freshly signed off the Raiders practice squad on Thursday. Brown, a graduate of Ole Miss (Hotty-Toddy, gosh almighty!) joins his fifth team since entering the NFL in 2022. While he hasn’t been around long enough to figure out how to get from 495 to I-93, he is healthy. Whale of a first game for him to possibly enter against that Texans rush. Good to know he and Maye will have something to talk about! Brown will wear #77, last worn by Chukwuma Okorafor. Let’s hope Brown doesn’t go for a long walk and not return anytime soon.
If the line is improving then, just like with the rook under center, the Texans will make for a pretty massive test. We’ll be sure to revisit next week.
4. On the subject of Patriots players deserving praise, the first that comes to mind is the one who’s getting the bulk of it and deservedly so: cornerback Christian Gonzlaez.
Gonzo has been getting his props from former players like Darius Butler as well as another corner who distinguished himself nicely in New England and is still playing at a very high level.
https://twitter.com/chrisgonzo28/status/1843798418956922888?s=46
But the praise from Steph Gilmore wasn’t the peak of the love shown Gonzo, who has the third lowest completion percentage against for corners this season (per NextGenStats). This tip of the hat came from one of the league’s stars whom Gonalez has matched up against twice already, and favorably so.
To have Tyreek Hill say that in just your second season, first full one thus far (knock on wood), you’re a top three corner in the league is straight fire flattery. But when you make an acrobatic interception like Gonzalez did and lock down the fastest receiver in the league to the tune of only three catches for 34 yards? That’s how you build a reputation as one of the best in the league, someone opposing QBs might not want to target on the regular. Teammates like fellow corner Jonathan Jones are big believers in Gonzo, saying the second-year pro out of Oregon offers everything you could ask out of a top corner.
As expected, Gonzalez will likely draw tough matchups every week - that’s what comes with the No. 1 corner rep and territory. And this week is no different as Gonzalez will likely draw Pats nemesis Stefon Diggs. NFL receiving yardage leader Nico Collins is on IR, but Diggs, who has torched the Pats in recent years (average of 83 yds and a TD per game) when with the Buffalo Bills, should certainly give Gonzalez all he can handle. Diggs was highly complimentary in his assessment of him this week, setting up what could be one of the key showdowns in Sunday’s matchup. If Gonzalez locks up Diggs, then the focus shifts to how Marcus Jones can do against old University of Houston college teammate Tank Dell, who is every bit the shifty handful himself.
5. Checking in on the “Returns, Departures and Others on the move” Department…
**With Rhamondre Stevenson out, it looks like Antonio Gibson will once again get the start at lead back for the Pats. Last week Gibson got the start vs. Miami due to Stevenson being disciplined for his fumbling issue. Now it seems Gibson, in his first year with the Pats, will assume top dog duties in the absence of the Pats’ best offensive player, who was injured late in the loss to the Dolphins. Mayo indicated a back, either Kevin Harris or Terrell Jennings, will likely be called up from their practice squad to give the Pats a third back behind Gibson and JaMycal Hasty.
**Mayo also indicated that linebacker Sione Takitaki would be activated from the PUP list and make his Patriots debut this Sunday, a move confirmed by the team on Saturday.
Takitaki is a versatile linebacker who can lend help defending the run and the pass, potentially alleviating some of the responsibilities of Jahlani Tavai, who has been working extra hard since Ja’Whaun Bentley went down for the season with a torn pectoral muscle. Takitaki was signed in essence to replace Mack Wilson, who is having a solid season with the Arizona Cardinals (that reunion is scheduled for Dec. 22). On a defense that has been beset by injuries at all the levels, Takitaki’s return is welcome news, especially against a Texans front that can stress you outside, inside, pass, run and with a mobile QB in CJ Stroud.
**Though not likely to return nearly as soon, Mayo did give an encouraging update on defensive lineman Christian Barmore, out for the season to date following his diagnosis with a blood clot issue. Mayo offered on Friday, "He's progressing. He still has some checkpoints or hurdles to get over." That’s good news, but ultimately fans would love to hear if the big fella, who was signed to a massive extension this offseason, will be able to return this season. To that question Mayo offered simply, “I would say yes.”
**Not as encouraging is the situation involving safety Jabrill Peppers, who was placed on the Commissioner Exempt List this week following his arrest for an alleged altercation in Braintree early last Saturday morning.
Roger Goodell placing Peppers on this list takes any disciplinary matters out of the Patriots’ hands while an investigation is underway. Peppers was charged with two felonies (assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and suffocation ) and two misdemeanors (possession of a Class B substance and assault and battery on a family or household member) following a domestic altercation with a woman he was engaged in intimate affairs with in the early hours of Saturday, Oct. 5. Peppers’ attorney says he has video evidence “and other evidence” that refutes the prosecution’s claims. When that evidence will be presented we don’t know. For now Pepers will not be an active member of the game day 53 and let the lawyers do their job and the legal system see this through.
6. And who said the Pats dynasty wasn’t entertaining to people outside of New England? Well…
On a lighter note..for Pats fans looking for some entertainment, though the subject matter is increasingly intense, perhaps the F/X show, “American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez” will be of some interest. The show is based on the Boston Globe podcast series, “Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc,” though certain aspects have been fictionalized or turned into composite narrative elements.
While what happens to Hernandez is ultimately tragic, there are some who have found the portrayals of key Patriots to be astounding, hilarious and mesmerizing.
Take fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski, portrayed by of all people his film and TV stand-in, Laith Wallschleger. The larger than life performer seemingly nails a larger than life personality in Gronk in this clip.
The clip has gone viral this week, so much so that Kay Adams asked Gronk on FanDuel TV what he thought about it, which is where Gronk revealed he knew the actor (which may lend to why the imitation seems so spot on). He didn’t heap the praise on the actor, but if we had to guess it’s because Gronk doesn’t want his double going too big time on him.
Then there’s Belichick, who has his own viral clip as well.
Belichick is portrayed by Tony-winning actor Norbert Leo Butz, who didn't know much about the legendary coach before being cast as the six-time Super Bowl-winning defensive mastermind and notable curmudgeon. For his portrayal, Butz did a deep dive on Belichick’s family roots and father/son relationship, as he detailed to us in a terrific interview on The 6 Rings & Football Things podcast. Butz elaborated on how he believed Belichick, who has loads of personality as we’ve seen recently, and in that clip, deliberately was difficult to handle to throw people off his game planning and team. Butz looks strikingly like Belichick in the show, which took four hours of hair and makeup daily. Intense commitment to the craft indeed, something the coach himself would likely respect.
The series, which is five episodes in, can be seen on FX and Hulu.
7. Last but not least we give you your NTKs: Need To Knows in “fanticipation” of a potentially historical day in Foxboro.
BROADCAST - The Pats are back on their familiar home, the old Tiffany network once again, who’s making sure we get a premium voice for Drake Maye’s debut.
The dynamic Kevin Harlan will be on the call, with former NFL QB Trent Green by his side. The game will be broadcast throughout New England and Texas, with most of America getting Commanders at Ravens during the early window on CBS.
WEATHER - Unfortunately the perfect fall conditions of late, and for the first two home games, give way to cooler, cloudy conditions with a couple showers mixed in throughout the day, likely a high in the mid-50s. Not ideal, but hey, it’s New England!
ALL-TIME - The Pats lead the all-time series 11-3, including two postseason tilts, both in Foxboro, both W’s for the Pats. The most recent matchup was three years back in Houston, a win for New England in what was considered one of Mac Jones’ “signature” wins, a late game comeback versus a Davis Mills-led squad. Mills is now Stroud’s backup, and Jones sits behind Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville. Well, technically London, at least for the next two weeks.