Drake Maye, the third overall pick in the 2024 draft, played one series in his debut with New England on Thursday night. The Patriots, who were without Bill Belichick as coach for the first time in 24 years, won 17-3 against the Carolina Panthers in a preseason game.
New England’s new coach, 38-year-old Jerod Mayo, dressed in a white short-sleeved Patriots’ pullover, became the youngest NFL head coach when he was hired on January 12, one day after Belichick agreed to leave the team.
This was the first game the Patriots played without Belichick since January 2, 2000. Belichick had led them to six Super Bowl titles.
“That was always the plan,” Mayo said about Maye’s brief appearance. “The plan was to get him in there for one series.” Carolina also had a new coach, with Dave Canales making his debut as the franchise’s seventh head coach.
“Tonight was about our first-time guys, the rookies, the guys that haven’t had a chance to play in the NFL. I think what they found tonight is: it’s just football. They ran and they played hard,” Canales said after not playing any of his first-teamers.
“For me, it was just a great opportunity to be able to talk to the coaches, talk to the officials. It was just great reps for me to just get the flow of how the communication happens and being able to work all through that.”
Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, the top pick of the 2023 draft, didn’t play. Projected backup Andy Dalton was out with a strained quadriceps.
Maye entered the field with light rain falling for the Patriots’ second series and received a warm reception from the small crowd. He completed his first pass, a screen to Antonio Gibson for a 13-yard gain. His first deep throw was high, and he ended the night 2 for 3 for 19 yards.
“I think I was a little nervous,” Maye said. “I think if you’re not getting nervous, then it doesn’t mean something to you. That’s how I look at it. I think nerves are a good thing. After you get that first snap, they blow the whistle at the end of the first play, you kind of settle in.”
The crowd booed when Bailey Zappe came onto the field for the Patriots’ third series. Probable season-opening starter Jacoby Brissett went 0 for 3 in his first series.
