Patriots Failed To Support Drake Maye Despite Eliot Wolf’s Pre-Draft Belief

Remember when Eliot Wolf pushed back at the notion the New England Patriots couldn’t support a rookie quarterback?

“I read a lot of that storyline. I’m not really sure what it means,” the first-year executive of player personnel said in April before New England drafted Drake Maye third overall. “I definitely feel like we can support that.”

Wolf’s confidence stemmed from their “NFL receivers” and “NFL offensive linemen,” among other things.

Well, it provided to be terribly misguided.

During Maye’s four career starts we’ve seen the group around him offer little to no help. The third overall pick has been tasked to do just about everything. He was asked to be Superman and drive the Batmobile in New England’s 20-17 overtime loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

Maye was 29-for-41 for 206 yards passing and scrambled eight times for 95 yards. He accounted for all but 15 yards of the team’s offense. In his fourth career start! The dual-threat signal-caller, who suffered a concussion one week prior, scrambled on off-script plays and threw a game-tying touchdown on the final play of regulation. He shouldered the load admirably, but ultimately the Patriots came up short after Maye’s game-sealing interception.

Patriots wide receivers combine for 13 receptions and 94 yards in the loss. Veteran tight end Hunter Henry again led the team in catches (seven) and yards (56). It marked the second time in three (completed) games the receiver room failed to surpass 100 yards.

New England’s trio of running backs combine for 12 carries and 15 yards against the Titans — no, that’s not a misprint.

And running backs finished with 19 yards after contact, confirming just how little the offensive line did on the ground. The offensive line also allowed 17 pressures on Maye, which included 13 hurries and two sacks, per Pro Football Focus.

New England currently ranks 26th in rushing yards this season, a stat which works against any quarterback nevermind a rookie trying to find his footing.

The Patriots have the means to improve the situation around Maye. It starts with Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline — there’s a case to be made New England should buy despite its two-win record — and continues into the offseason. The Patriots not only have plenty of financial resources, but currently sit atop the 2025 NFL Draft order.

It has to look different. And that’s because the Patriots failed to set up their incoming rookie in the first place.