For the first time in a very long time in New England, a preseason debut was must-watch television for Patriots fans, as Jerod Mayo told the media on Tuesday that all four quarterbacks would play in Thursday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.
This meant a first glimpse at third overall pick Drake Maye in live game action.
Unfortunately, a glimpse is all it was for Pats Nation.
Drake Maye was given one series at quarterback, and was replaced by third-year quarterback Bailey Zappe.
One and done for the future of the franchise.
Maye’s series was the second offensive series of the game for the Patriots, as Jacoby Brissett was given the start at quarterback. It came at 11:04 in the first quarter.
Maye was 2 of 3 for 19 yards, leading the offense to one first down. He worked both under center and in the shotgun.
And yes, it was as uneventful as it sounds.
His three passing attempts went like this:
- On 3rd and 12, Maye completed a screen pass to veteran running back Antonio Gibson for a 13-yard gain
- On 1st and 10, Maye’s pass was incomplete to Jalen Reagor
- On 3rd and 11, Maye found a wide open Kevin Harris in the flat for a 6-yard gain
Series over. Night over.
Six offensive plays for the presumptive backup quarterback of the Patriots in his professional preseason debut.
For what it’s worth, the offense did look better during Maye’s one series than it did during Brissett’s.
The nine-year veteran was 0 for 3 passing. The offense did convert one first down, but it was on the back of an 11-yard run from running back Rhamondre Stevenson.
It’s safe to say we did not learn much of anything from tonight’s performance from Maye.
Will we get more of Maye next Thursday when the Philadelphia Eagles come to town for Preseason Week 2?
We shall see.
Maye will have another opportunity for meaningful reps before then, as the Eagles will be in Foxborough for a joint practice session in full pads on Tuesday.
Until then, the “Maye should start Week 1” crowd has two completions to cling to for the arguments in their group chats.