Drake Maye debuts for Patriots in loss to Jets on Thursday

Drake Maye made his NFL debut for the New England Patriots during a challenging game against the New York Jets on Thursday night. He replaced veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett late in the fourth quarter with the team trailing 24-3. Maye's entry came after Brissett struggled, being sacked five times and throwing for only 98 yards. With 4:24 remaining, Maye showcased his mobility by scrambling for 11 yards on a fourth-and-8, demonstrating his readiness for the opportunity. Despite his efforts, including a 15-yard completion to DeMario Douglas that brought the Patriots to the Jets' 7-yard line, Maye's drive ended when he was sacked on first-and-goal. The offensive line's performance was a concern, allowing seven sacks and 15 quarterback hits throughout the game. Maye expressed excitement about getting game action and acknowledged the challenges faced by the offensive line. Brissett, who was replaced, maintained a professional demeanor, focusing on his preparation and performance. He praised Maye for his potential and contributions during the game. The coaching staff, led by Mayo, is now faced with the decision of whether to accelerate Maye's development in light of the team's struggles on offense. Maye had previously shown promise during the preseason, completing a significant number of passes and even scoring a touchdown. With Brissett initially named the starter, the coaching staff had been giving Maye a portion of the first-team reps in practice. The outcome of this game may influence the Patriots' strategy moving forward regarding their quarterback situation.