Since the dawn of the 21st century, New England Patriots football has become synonymous with two names: Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. After six Super Bowl rings, 17 AFC East titles and two contentious departures, the Patriots look a whole lot different in 2024.
Belichick cutting ties with the Patriots after a horrid 2023 campaign essentially closed the book on the dynasty that tormented the NFL for the greater portion of the 21st century. The long-time coach’s split from the organization was followed by 2021 first-round quarterback Mac Jones being shipped off to the Jacksonville Jaguars, which indicated the start of a new era in Foxboro.
First-year Head Coach Jerod Mayo made his first big decision for the future of football in New England when he announced rookie quarterback Drake Maye would make his first career start against the Houston Texans Oct. 13.
Upon being drafted third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Maye was not only awarded a four-year, $36.63 million contract, but additionally assumed the pressure of uplifting a tarnished franchise. The 22-year-old is now stepping into the shoes once filled by the legendary Brady.
Despite concerns around how Maye would manage a dysfunctional Patriots offense only a few weeks into being an NFL player, Mayo affirmed that the former North Carolina Tar Heel gives the team “the best chance to win, now and going forward.”
While the Patriots endured a disappointing loss to the Texans, Maye’s debut performance as first quarterback has reignited a sense of excitement and hope amongst fans that has been absent since the Brady-Belichick Era.
Maye completed 20 of his 33 passing attempts, totaling 243 yards and throwing for three touchdowns. Piloting the offense from under center, he spearheaded the team to a season-high scoring total of 21 points. He also tacked on 38 total rushing yards, which led the team on the day.
While being a young quarterback in the NFL is incredibly challenging, Maye offers an intriguing and impressive skill set that seemingly gives the Patriots a better chance to win on any given week. Maye is visibly poised in the pocket, unphased by defensive pressure and maintains a strong awareness of the field. That, combined with his incredible arm strength and superb improvisation skills, offer something the Patriots seemingly lacked with Jacoby Brissett.
While the illustrious flashes of greatness were on full-display in Maye’s first start, he was not free of mistakes. He did turn the ball over on three occasions, with two interceptions and a lost fumble on a strip-sack.
Erroneous plays are imminent with a rookie quarterback at the helm. The NFL features the best football players on the planet and the sheer speed of the game can be a learning process for young quarterbacks. For Maye, the early stages of his career revolve around honing his skills by addressing inconsistencies and strengthening good habits. And there is plenty of good stuff with Maye.
What’s even more encouraging is Maye’s commentary on his first start. In his post-game interview, he offered some constructive criticism of himself that gave fans some insight into his competitive spirit. “I think there’s some good things to take away from [the game, but] we’ve got to play complementary football, and we haven’t done that,” said Maye.
The new quarterback has received nothing but praise from his veteran teammates as well, evidently winning over the locker room. “He’s a natural leader,” said veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne to ESPN reporter Mike Reiss following Sunday’s game. “He’s that guy. You can tell when you see him.”
Maye clearly exhibits the composure, maturity and leadership to manage the hefty expectations of being the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots. While fans are bound to go through the ups and downs of a rebuilding season for the team, they should be beyond thrilled for what the future holds in store after a promising debut for the rookie.
A portion of this article appeared in print on Page 14 of Vol. LVIII Issue VI, published Nov. 4, 2024.