Once the Patriots drafted quarterback Drake Maye, it was clear that he would be the starter pending injury, pretty quickly and hopefully long-term. Heading into last season, there was hope that veteran Jacoby Brissett might be able to lead the Patriots to a few wins, but that wasn't to be the case. All it took was five weeks, and the rookie became the starter and never looked back.
It wasn't entirely Brissett's fault that the offense struggled at the beginning of the year, but not being able to break 200 yards in the passing game sealed his fate. Maye found relative success throughout the season, heading into the last week, as he found the endzone in every game he started (except his short stint in Week 18) and had solid efficiency numbers. However, Week 18 was notable for another performance.
Patriots fans went into Week 18 with dreams of securing the No. 1 draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. A selection that could have afforded them the opportunity to select Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter, or Will Campbell if they wanted, or they could have traded back for a haul of additional picks. Joe Milton had other plans.
Milton went off on a Buffalo Bills team that essentially rolled over, allowing Milton to throw for 241 yards, throw for a touchdown and rush for another for good measure. Was it enough to cause a quarterback controversy? Not in the slightest. However, it did alert the rest of the league that the Patriots had a real backup who had some upside.
Joe Milton Is Shining for the Cowboys in Training Camp
After Dak Prescott's season-ending injury, the Cowboys trotted out QB Cooper Rush. While Rush was serviceable, he provided limited upside. Rush ultimately chose to sign with the Ravens this offseason. Enter Joe Milton. The Cowboys traded for the Patriots' gunslinger after there were reports of Drake Maye being insecure with Milton backing him up or Milton being a distraction in the locker room.
"This is a direct quote from someone in the organization — ‘is not a good dude.’ Knowing your role, playing your role, being part of a harmonious quarterback room — that was going to be an issue. It wasn’t about Drake Maye. It was just about the room."Grag Bedard via "Patriots Podcast"
Whether either idea expressed is true or not is irrelevant. Young quarterbacks need to be secure in their role; otherwise, fans will speculate or root for the backup. One place that is not an issue is Dallas, where Dak Prescott is firmly QB1. The Cowboys have a clear hierarchy, but Milton is showing that should the need arise, he can step in and lead the offense.
Milton was always known as a strong-armed quarterback and only fell to the Patriots because of his injury history at Tennessee. On Thursday, he launched an absolute bomb in practice, garnering attention around the league. However, new Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer has stated that Milton is trying to develop into a more efficient passer in camp.
Should he find that efficiency, the Cowboys could have a real backup plan for the first time in Dak Prescott's career. Milton is definitely a highlight reel type quarterback and fans should be able to awe at his impressive arm. Milton performed well in a joint practice with the Rams, finding the endzone before leaving with a minor thumb injury.
The Cowboys will get to see if Milton is able to put it together on Saturday. Patriots' fans will be able to compare and contrast who is leading the short-lived Maye-Milton controversy after both quarterbacks get their first looks over the next two days.