The New England Patriots finally made the moves that fans were waiting for as head coach Jerod Mayo named Drake Maye as the team’s starter for their Week 6 matchup against the Houston Texans.
Maye had been relegated to backup duties behind Jacoby Brissett, but after the veteran struggled with moving the football through the air Mayo decided to unleash the rookie.
Maye got limited opportunities during the preseason, but did show some flashes of his athleticism and arm talent.
Against Houston, Maye predictably got off to a slow start as he tried to work through his progressions though Houston’s defense was prepared.
However, Maye eventually started to make plays through the air, much to the delight of the Patriots fans in attendance.
Maye recorded his first career touchdown pass at the end of the second quarter and fans were hyped on social media via NFL.
“Drake Maye DIME for his first career touchdown pass!”
Drake Maye DIME for his first career touchdown pass!
?: #HOUvsNE on CBS/Paramount+
?: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/psTLjZvOoK— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024
HE IS THE TRUTH, DRAKE MAYE BABYYY
— Ghost Aeolus (@Aeolus) October 13, 2024
WHAT A THROW
— ??? ??????? ????? ? (@the_det_times) October 13, 2024
What a dime
— The Good Man (@_The_Good_Man) October 13, 2024
Drake is the real deal Always bringing the heat
— Ifrahim Saeed (@ifrahimsaeed1) October 13, 2024
In the video, Maye drops back to pass and manages to launch a beautiful throw to receiver Kayshon Boutte who caught the football in stride on the way to a 40-yard touchdown.
It was a great example of what Maye is capable of on the field as he’s got the arm strength and accuracy to deliver footballs in tight windows.
While New England is on its way to another loss, the most important thing for the team is for Maye to get reps and feel more comfortable operating the offense.
It’ll be a work in progress, but the early returns are promising.
NEXT: Patriots Will Have Key Receiver For Drake Maye's First Start
