Does Patriots QB Drake Maye ‘Feel Ready’ To Start Week 1?

Drake Maye gave the Patriots their best looks on offense despite several team mistakes in New England’s preseason finale against the Washington Commanders.

Maye completed 13 of his 20 passes for 126 yards, including an 88-yard drive for a touchdown, capped by a pass to Patriots running back Kevin Harris.

The No. 3 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft steadily looked better and better in each of his preseason appearances in game action. His head coach Jerod Mayo certainly left the door open for him to still win the starting job over veteran Jacoby Brissett.

If that ends up being the case, does the Patriots rookie feel ready to lead the offense into Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals?

“I think I would feel ready,” Maye told reporters, per team-provided video. “I’m ready for whatever this football team asks of me. Ready to get out there and try to help us beat the Bengals Week 1.”

After Sunday’s game, Mayo did allude to Maye being “the second-best quarterback” currently on New England’s roster. With under two weeks until the Patriots begin the regular season, whether or not that assessment changes will lead storylines entering Sept. 8.