Will rookie QB Drake Maye play for the Patriots in the preseason game against the Eagles?

As we head into the second NFL appearance of young Drake Maye’s career, there’s a buzz in the air that only a Patriots rookie quarterback can generate. You can almost feel the anticipation building as fans wonder how much more of the field the former Tar Heel will see this week against the Eagles. Last week, Maye was given just a taste of the action—a single drive, really—but there’s every indication that the Patriots will put a little more on his plate this time around.

Let’s rewind to that first game for a moment. It was against the Carolina Panthers, and while Maye wasn’t given the keys to the offense for long, he managed to complete two out of three passes for a modest 19 yards. Nothing flashy, but enough to settle the nerves, both his and the fans’. There’s a reason they call it a “learning curve,” and Maye’s just getting started on it. As the saying goes, they didn’t build Rome in a day, and they’re not rushing this young quarterback either.

Now, let’s not forget that Maye isn’t the only one new to his role. First-year head coach Jerod Mayo is also finding his way. Mayo, a familiar face in New England, spent eight seasons wearing Patriots colors as a linebacker, but now he’s calling the shots from the sideline. Sure, he’s been around the block in various coaching roles, but being the head honcho is a whole new ball game. Last week, he opted to play it safe with Maye, limiting his exposure, and who could blame him? It was Mayo’s first preseason game as the head coach, and like a good shepherd, he’s guiding his young quarterback carefully.

That careful approach makes sense when you consider the stakes. Maye was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, a selection that comes with its own set of pressures and expectations. But here’s the twist—New England hasn’t made him the automatic starter. Instead, they’ve put their trust in Jacoby Brissett, an eight-year NFL veteran who knows a thing or two about running an offense. It’s a rare sight these days, a top-three pick sitting on the bench, but it seems to be part of a grander plan in Foxborough.

When the Patriots line up against the Eagles this week, we’re all expecting to see a bit more of Maye. Maybe it’ll be more than just a drive; maybe it’ll be enough to give us a real glimpse of what this kid can do against NFL-caliber defenses. After all, Joe Milton III took the lion’s share of attention in the first preseason game, and now it’s Maye’s turn to start adjusting to the speed and intensity of the pros.

One thing’s clear—there’s no mad dash to push Maye into the starting lineup. Coach Mayo has said as much, noting that Maye, like any rookie, has plenty to work on. And that’s the truth of it. The leap from college football, especially from the ACC, to the NFL is a steep one. Sure, Maye dazzled in college, tossing 63 touchdowns and racking up 8,000 yards, but the ACC isn’t the SEC, and NFL defenses are another beast entirely.

So, what’s the takeaway here? Well, the Patriots are playing the long game with Drake Maye. Every snap he takes, every throw he makes in these preseason games is about building a foundation. The more time he gets on the field now, the better equipped he’ll be when the time comes to truly take the reins. And who knows, in a few years, we might look back on this preseason and say, “That’s where it all began.” For now, though, let’s just enjoy watching the story unfold.