Patriots Already Displayed Confidence In New Starter Drake Maye

The Patriots reportedly will turn toward rookie Drake Maye to start Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans.

It won’t be his first time taking the field, however.

Maye was given a brief opportunity to show what he had in Week 3, getting some run during garbage time of a blowout loss to the New York Jets. The Patriots are hoping that will just be a footnote in a long and illustrious career, but it was enough time for the 22-year-old to leave an impression.

“It was good seeing him out there getting the feel of a regular season game,” Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas said following that game, per team-provided video. ” He’s been good. He’s been doing what he’s supposed to be doing, getting some good plays on film, so whenever he comes in, he can rock out. He’s definitely progressing and getting comfortable. He has some energy, and you definitely feel like he knows what he’s doing.”

Maye completed 4-of-8 passes for 22 yards, so it’s not like he lit the world on fire, but he did inspire confidence moving forward.

The Patriots likely will have to get creative when deploying Maye, but there are ways to help him find success in his first start. It’s not going to be easy, but there’s belief in and around One Patriot Place that the first-round pick can get the job done.