.png){kind=small}
Drake Maye, chosen as the third overall pick by the Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft and considered one of the top two or three quarterback prospects of the draft, made his NFL preseason debut on Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers.
Here are five key observations from his first game as an NFL rookie.
1. Limited Snap Count
Drake Maye’s debut was short-lived, with the rookie quarterback playing just one series in the Patriots' preseason opener against the Panthers. Completing 2-of-3 passes for 19 yards, Maye’s appearance was more of a teaser than a full showcase. Fans at Gillette Stadium were left wanting more, as Maye was quickly replaced by Bailey Zappe, prompting boos from the crowd.
2. Early Reps with the Starting O-Line
Maye’s brief outing did have one notable aspect: it was his first time playing behind New England’s starting offensive line. This experience was crucial, despite the O-line’s struggles, including penalties and missed blocks. Working with the first-team unit will help Maye adjust to the speed and intensity of the NFL, even if the initial results were mixed.
3. Conservative Approach from the Patriots:
The Patriots played it safe with their rookie, a decision likely influenced by the rainy conditions and the line’s shaky performance. Maye’s play-calling was conservative, featuring short passes and check-downs. This cautious approach kept him out of harm’s way but also limited his ability to demonstrate the full range of his skills.
4. A Taste of NFL Action
Maye admitted to feeling some nerves before his debut, a natural response for a 21-year-old making his first NFL appearance. If you’re not nervous about something, it doesn’t mean anything to you. I think nerves are a good thing,” Maye said after the game (Patriots.com). Despite the limited action, he viewed the experience positively, saying it was “awesome” to finally play in front of fans at Gillette Stadium. This first taste of NFL action will serve as a foundation for future performances (Patriots.com).
5. Bigger Opportunities on the Horizon
While Maye’s debut was brief, it’s clear that more significant opportunities are ahead. Head coach Jerod Mayo confirmed that the limited playing time was planned, with more substantial reps expected in the upcoming preseason games. As the Patriots prepare for joint practices with the Eagles, Maye will have the chance to further prove himself and possibly challenge Jacoby Brissett for the starting role.