Momentum Behind Drake Maye Starting Week 1 Already Building

The most exciting thing that’s happened to Patriots fans in the past year might be The Roast of Tom Brady this past week, but that could be changing soon.

Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald recently reported that there’s a good chance that rookie quarterback Drake Maye will start under center for New England in Week 1. 

That’s certainly something to look forward to, but is it the right decision? And what is even fair to expect from a rookie quarterback in a rebuilt offense?

Let’s dig into it. 

Drake Maye Could Be New England’s Week 1 Starting QB

It’s very typical for rookie quarterbacks to wait their turn upon making it to the NFL as they have to adjust to the speed of play, learn a new offense, and handle the pressure of expectations of leading a franchise.

But that might not be the case for Maye in New England.

Many expected the Patriots to turn to Jacoby Brissett to start the season for good reason. 

Brissett is a proven veteran with eight seasons of experience who’s played for the Pats before, and he was clearly signed for a reason. 

But he’s not going to sell tickets and he’s also not likely to win many games. 

So there are several reasons why starting Maye makes sense. But it’s certainly a risky move.

Should Drake Maye Be the Week 1 Starter?

Brissett is exceptional at limiting mistakes – highlighted by his career numbers of 51 TD passes to just 23 INTs – and that’s exactly what New England needs right now.

The Patriots were sixth in the NFL in opponents yards allowed per game (301.6) last season and 14th in opponents points per game (21.5). 

They have nearly their entire defense returning, and there’s no reason for them to not play to that strength. 

Starting Maye could lead to more turnovers and tire the defense out. 

Maye has the tantalizing play-making ability and a big arm, but he also threw nine interceptions in 12 games last season at UNC, and he doesn't have the receivers to help him create those big plays.

Even if he doesn’t turn the ball over frequently, it’s asking an awful lot of a rookie to live up to his billing of the No. 3 overall pick with that offense.

His top weapons would be Kendrick Bourne, K.J. Osborn, DeMario Douglas, Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Hunter Henry, and Austin Hooper.

While that group has some depth to it, consider that none of those players (Polk and Baker excluded) had even 600 yards last season and only one – Hunter Henry – had at least five touchdowns.

There’s just not much to work with and Maye can only make so much magic happen as he adjusts to the NFL. 

Proceed with cautious optimism here, Patriots fans.

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