By R.L. Bynum
It’s finally time for the New England Patriots to start rookie Drake Maye at quarterback.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that, according to a source, Maye would start Sunday’s home game against the Houston Texans. The team hasn’t made an official announcement.
After the Patriots’ 15–10 home setback against Miami, their fourth consecutive loss, first-year head coach Jerod Mayo hinted that a change was coming.
Every previous Monday, Mayo’s comments backed former N.C. State quarterback Jacoby Brissett continuing as his starter. According to the Boston Herald, that changed this time, with Mayo calling out “mis-execution on multiple levels” during a radio appearance on WEEI on Monday.
“It just wasn’t good enough,” Mayo told reporters Monday, according to the Herald, after Brissett completed 18 of 34 passes for 160 yards and a 65.8 passer rating. “I thought we played well enough defensively and on special teams to win the football game. Look, as the quarterback — and he understands this — he touches the ball on every single play, and we didn’t win the game or score enough points to win the game. I think he would echo that same sentiment that it wasn’t good enough.”
New England will host the Houston Texans at 1 p.m. Sunday. He won’t face former teammate British Brooks, though. The Texans have placed the rookie running back on injured reserve with a knee injury suffered on Sunday.
Maye has only played in one game this season. The third overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft was 4 for 8 for 22 yards with two carries for 12 yards in mop-up duty at the end of the 24–3 road loss in Week 3 to the New York Jets.
In three preseason games, Maye completed 21 of 34 passes for 192 yards and one touchdown.
Although Mayo said that Maye outperformed Brissett in training camp, he has started the veteran Brissett, saying that he gave New England the best chance to win. Thanks to the Patriots’ bad offensive line, Brissett has been taking a beating.
While Maye has been sitting, three other rookie quarterbacks have looked good, particularly Washington’s Jayden Daniels. The Commanders lead the NFC East with four wins, Denver’s Bo Nix has led the Broncos to three wins, and Chicago’s Caleb Williams has started three victories.
Mayo hasn’t announced his starter for the Houston game.
Photo via @Patriots
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