Drake Maye Breaks Silence After Being Named Starting QB for Week 6

Many Patriots fans had been clamoring for rookie Drake Maye to become the starting quarterback but no one has been waiting longer for this moment than the No. 3 overall pick himself. Maye started the season on the sidelines behind veteran Jacoby Brissett, but after four consecutive losses, coach Jerod Mayo decided to finally make the switch and give Maye the start against the Houston Texans in Week 6.

"It's what you dream of, getting your first start in the NFL, so I'm excited to get out there with the guys."

- Drake Maye on being named Week 6 QB

In his first Gillette Stadium press conference since the announcement, Maye maintained the cool yet happy demeanor he has displayed since his April arrival in Foxborough. He described the start as a "great opportunity" and demonstrated that he had been prepared for this moment. "You never know when your number is going to get called, so try to stay ready."

A quarterback's first start can be one of their most nerve-wracking moments, but Maye said that he was looking to have fun and avoid making the moment too big.

Maye had a lot of praise to offer for Brissett, calling him a "great leader". He expressed that he not only learned football schematics from him but also gained valuable lessons in dealing with teammates and the media.

In terms of handling the news, Brissett was "the ideal teammate" to Maye and has been bringing "positive vibes to the team." He expressed the importance of Brissett's ability to take hits and get back up while keeping focus on the next play.

"He's a great mentor and a great friend. I'll try to do everything I can to help him and I'm sure he'll do the same."

- Drake Maye on Jacoby Brissett

That being said, he added "it's a winning league and we're sitting here at 1-4. I think the guys around here want to win." In terms of what to expect from his play on the field, he said the game plan won't change. He will be focused on finding completions, avoiding off-platform throws, and playing in the pocket.

From the small glimpses fans have gotten of the North Carolina product through the preseason and in his garbage time minutes against the Jets, he has shown great potential if he can keep those areas of his game clean.

The fanbase has wanted a better look at Maye all season, which should make for a livelier atmosphere than Gillette Stadium has seen in the past several seasons. "I think Patriots fans are the best fans in the league and I'm looking forward to playing at Gillette in front of them." All eyes will be on Maye as he has the biggest Foxborough debut in recent memory.

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