The New England Patriots (3-8) are set to see a new change at the quarterback position this season before the team travels to play the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. The Patriots used veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett as the team’s starter for the first five games of 2024.
Drake Maye was named the starting quarterback before the Patriots’ 41-21 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 6. The Patriots have won two games with Maye starting. The No. 3 pick in April’s draft has gone 126-of-189 passing for 1,236 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions. The former North Carolina Tar Heels’ standout has rushed 28 times for 260 yards.
The New England Patriots are expected to make a change
Per ESPN‘s Jeremy Fowler, the Patriots are expected to feature Maye more as a runner going forward.
“In New England, don’t be surprised if the Patriots expand rookie quarterback Drake Maye’s playbook menu as he keeps improving,” Fowler wrote. “One way to do that — by using his legs. Maye is averaging a stellar 9.3 yards per rush, and his 28 attempts through seven appearances suggests New England could use him more in this area.”
Maye did use his legs in college
Maye was primarily a pass-first quarterback for North Carolina. However, the 21-year-old rushed for 1,209 yards and 16 touchdowns on 302 rushing attempts in college.
Maye could use his unique mobility to make him more lethal as a passer. That could be a huge help to the Patriots offense moving forward.
