3 Patriots Who Benefit the Most From Drake Maye's Surprise Promotion
By Jovan Alford
After another disappointing showing from the New England Patriots offense in Week 5, the team has made a shocking decision under center. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported Tuesday that the Patriots plan to start rookie quarterback Drake Maye on Sunday against the Houston Texans.
The future is now in New England: Sources say the #Patriots are planning to start Drake Maye against the #Texans, the first start for the No. 3 overall pick.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 8, 2024
Jacoby Brissett, who started the first five games, heads to the bench. pic.twitter.com/NrQQG65A0r
With the Patriots starting Maye in Week 6, veteran Jacoby Brissett will surprisingly head to the bench. Brissett has struggled under center through the first five games of the 2024 season as he’s been battered and bruised up by opposing defenses.
The veteran QB has completed 58.5 percent of his passes for 696 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. However, he’s been sacked 17 times and led a struggling Patriots offense scoring XX points per game.
New England hopes the offense will improve and grow with Maye. But fans should expect a learning curve as he adjusts to the NFL.
That said, with a rookie quarterback making his first career start, some players on offense will be paramount to Maye’s success early on. Below, we’ll highlight three players, who will benefit the most with the rookie starting.
1. Rhamondre Stevenson
New England has surprisingly been good at rushing the ball this season, averaging 131.4 yards per game (eighth in the NFL) and 4.9 yards per carry (ninth in the league). Pats veteran running back Rhamondre Stevenson has played a huge role in their early season success.
Stevenson has 356 yards and three rushing touchdowns on 77 carries. The veteran hasn’t been used much in the passing game, but that could change with Maye under center. However, when you have a RB that’s averaging 4.6 yards per carry, best believe Alex Van Pelt will try to put the rookie quarterback in a good spot.
This season, the Patriots are ranked 15th in rushing play percentage (45.08), but that will likely go up with Maye under center. Stevenson is coming off a solid game against the Miami Dolphins in Week 5, where he had 89 rushing yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.
Head coach Jerod Mayo and Van Pelt will look for Stevenson to carry that momentum into this week’s game against the Texans, who have allowed 120.2 rushing yards per game.