The New England Patriots solely performed Drake Maye one collection in his preseason debut, which allowed him to be overshadowed by the opposite first-round quarterbacks within the 2024 draft class.
Maye performed seven snaps in opposition to the Carolina Panthers. The 21-year-old went 2-for-3 for 19 yards, and whereas he confirmed small indicators of growth, it was not sufficient for the Gillette Stadium crowd who booed Bailey Zappe when the third-year signal-caller stepped in for the rookie.
Patriots followers ought to rightfully really feel cheated that they did not see extra from Maye as the opposite 5 quarterbacks who have been drafted within the first spherical of the 2024 NFL Draft confirmed one thing their respective fanbases might boast about.
Caleb Williams began for the Chicago Bears and performed two collection in opposition to the Buffalo Payments. The highest number of the 2024 draft went 4-for-7 for 95 yards and confirmed off his legs with a run for 13 yards. His greatest throw got here on a play-action rollout the place he threaded the needle for a completion he made look very simple.
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Jayden Daniels began for the Washington Commanders in opposition to the New York Jets. Whereas the No. 2 general choose solely performed one collection and went 2-for-3 for 45 yards, he confirmed off his arm expertise when he hit Dyami Brown on a 42-yard deep ball. Daniels scored a three-yard landing off a zone learn to showcase his dual-threat capability.
Michael Penix Jr. bought an prolonged runout in his preseason debut. He began and performed 5 collection within the Atlanta Falcons’ matchup in opposition to the Miami Dolphins. The No. 8 choose accomplished 9 of his 16 passes for 104 yards and confirmed his willingness to chuck the ball downfield.
J.J. McCarthy did not begin for the Minnesota Vikings, however after he got here on for Sam Darnold, he performed seven collection. The No. 10 general choose accomplished 11 of his 17 passes for 188 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders. He additionally ran twice for 18 yards. Whereas it wasn’t an ideal preseason debut for the Michigan product, he was dealing final weekend and confirmed why he is a great slot in Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
Bo Nix additionally did not begin for the Denver Broncos, however the No. 12 choose performed 5 collection after he got here on for former Patriots quarterback Jarrett Stidham. The Oregon product went 15-of-21 passing for 125 yards and a landing. He additionally added three rushes for 17 yards. Nix was environment friendly and confirmed off his arm power in his preseason debut.
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This was preseason, and it isn’t a clear predictor of precise NFL success. However New England hasn’t given followers a lot to be enthusiastic about this season; it is arguably given supporters extra to be unhappy about after its failed run at Brandon Aiyuk. A Maye showcase might have alleviated fears or considerations after his lackluster coaching camp practices.
Head coach Jerod Mayo famous there was a plan for Maye, and he teased the rookie might play extra in opposition to the Philadelphia Eagles within the staff’s second preseason recreation. Followers will hope they get to see one thing from Maye they will brag to different fanbases about.
