Drake Mayes’ first drive in Sunday’s preseason game against the Washington Commanders was a very enjoyable experience for New England Patriots fans.
The rookie quarterback led an 11-play, 88-yard drive that ended with an 18-yard touchdown pass to running back Kevin Harris, Mayes’ first career touchdown pass.
Check out the touchdown play in the video below:
Jacoby Brissett started at quarterback but left the field after just one possession. Maye came in and completed 5 of 6 passing attempts for 71 yards and a touchdown on his first drive. He also escaped the pass rush and gained yards with his legs, including an impressive 17-yard run for a first down early in the drive.
Maye also completed a couple of nice passes before the touchdown, including a third-and-8 pass to wide receiver DeMario Douglas.
The Patriots have not yet announced a starting quarterback for Week 1 of the regular season.
There are pros and cons to starting a rookie like Maye in Week 1. It also makes sense to start the experienced Brissett. Don’t rush Maye if he’s not fully ready to play against NFL-caliber defenses.
But after Sunday’s performance, calls for Maye to start – from the media and fans – are likely to grow louder.
