In a turbulent start to the 2024 season, the New England Patriots initially appeared to be on solid footing with quarterback Jacoby Brissett, securing an unexpected victory against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1.
However, the tides have turned dramatically, as the team has since suffered four consecutive losses, and their offensive struggles have become increasingly apparent.
The surprising hope that Patriots fans were given thanks to that upset win over Cincinnati has quickly disappeared.
New England’s latest setback came in a narrow 15-10 defeat to their AFC East rivals, the Miami Dolphins, who themselves are grappling with major quarterback issues.
This loss may have pushed Brissett closer to the exit as the team’s starting quarterback.
There are growing indications that rookie Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, could be stepping into the starting role sooner rather than later.
“A QB change could soon be coming to New England, with rookie first-round pick Drake Maye potentially starting Sunday vs. the Texans,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X.
Brissett has shown flashes of solid play, but his reluctance to take risks downfield has contributed to a stagnant and toothless offense.
Against a Dolphins defense that has struggled recently, he managed to complete only 18 of 34 passes for 160 yards, failing to ignite any offensive momentum.
Part of the problem stems from a lack of offensive support. The Patriots’ receiving corps lacks proven game-breakers, and their offensive line has had difficulty providing Brissett with adequate pass protection.
Most New Englanders are realistic about the 2024 season. They know that the Patriots are one of the worst teams in the league and that a potential playoff berth is out of the question.
The one thing that fans are most excited for is Maye and his development. They desperately hope that he ends up becoming the true franchise quarterback they drafted him to be.
Having Maye take meaningful snaps under center and experience real bullets on the field will help accelerate his growth and development. (Although the concerns over the offensive line’s ability to protect him are certainly legitimate.)
Every young quarterback goes through rough patches. Maye will surely go through his. But the sooner he takes the field, the better.
Maye is more mobile than Brissett, has a stronger arm, and figures to be more aggressive attacking downfield. (Again, the offensive line will have to give him time though.)
With reports of a potential mutiny in the locker room, head coach Jerod Mayo knows (or should know) that he needs to make sure he keeps things from going off the rails.
What are your thoughts on the report that Maye could take over as starter as soon as this Sunday? … Do you think he should???