Drake Maye completed 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown in New England’s 20-10 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday night during the preseason finale.
Maye, a rookie from North Carolina who is competing with Jacoby Brissett for the starting job, had a strong performance. However, the offensive line showed why first-year coach Jerod Mayo might be hesitant to start him right away.
Brissett started the game but was sacked hard by defensive lineman K.J. Henry. He finished the first series but then left the game with a right shoulder injury, according to the Patriots.
Mayo mentioned that Brissett could have continued playing if it were a regular-season game, and he will be assessed again on Monday.
Maye played the rest of the first half and threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Harris. The Patriots ended the preseason with a 1-2 record.
When asked if Maye would be the backup if Brissett wins the starting job, Mayo gave a hint about the upcoming decision. “I would like to sit here and say 100%, he’s our second-best quarterback on our roster right now,” Mayo said about Maye.
“I’m not sure until I watch the film.”
Maye didn’t get much help from his offensive line, which was penalized eight times in the first half for false starts, holding, or illegal formation. At one point, Maye’s shoe came off because left guard Sidy Sow stepped on him. Brissett’s injury happened when two blockers collided.
This could affect Mayo’s decision, especially since Washington didn’t use any of its starters. Maye said he’s ready to start if needed for Week 1.
“I think I’m ready for whatever this football team asks of me,” said Maye, the No. 3 overall draft pick.
