FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Rookie Drake Maye scored a touchdown and guided the New England Patriots on two of the team’s three scoring drives during a 14-13 preseason defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night.
The No. 3 overall draft selection from North Carolina appeared in only one series during the Patriots’ preseason opener but played throughout the second and third quarters in this matchup. He completed 6 of 11 passes for a total of 47 yards.
“There were some positives and some negatives. Definitely a lot of lessons to learn,” Maye stated. “It was beneficial to go out there and have some footage to analyze.”
Joey Slye, competing with incumbent Chad Ryland for the starting position, contributed two field goals for New England. The Patriots (1-1) recorded 11 first downs, with only four occurring in the latter two quarters.
In the fourth quarter, the Patriots were leading 13-6 when the Eagles mounted a comeback. Rookie running back Kendall Milton scored on a 1-yard run, and Tanner McGee connected with Ainias Smith for a two-point conversion that put Philadelphia ahead.
Jake Elliott also kicked two field goals for the Eagles (2-0).
Projected Week 1 starter Jacoby Brissett struggled during his quarter of play before being replaced by Maye. New England struggled in the game’s opening possession, going three-and-out. Their second drive was cut short when Brissett threw an interception to Philadelphia’s Avonte Maddox in the end zone.
The Patriots went three-and-out again before Brissett’s outing ended, as he finished the game with 3 completions on 7 attempts for 17 yards.
Maye received a warm welcome from the sparse Gillette Stadium crowd when he took the field at the start of the second quarter. He gave fans another reason to cheer by completing a 12-yard pass on third down to fellow rookie Javon Baker, which set up a game-tying 51-yard field goal by Slye.
On the very first play after the two-minute warning, Maye rushed 4 yards into the end zone, giving New England a 10-3 advantage as they headed into halftime.
“He showed great poise,” said Patriots rookie head coach Jerod Mayo. “I thought it was a strong drive, and he executed well. I hope he can build on this performance as the week progresses.”
Maye’s start to the third quarter was rocky as he fumbled a snap, but the Patriots managed to recover. In that quarter, New England only achieved one third down conversion, and it was due to a defensive pass interference penalty.
“For me, dropped snaps are unacceptable,” Maye acknowledged.
Following joint practices with the Patriots, the Eagles opted to rest starting quarterback Jalen Hurts for a second consecutive preseason game. Backup Kenny Pickett played the entire first half, completing 11 of 13 passes for just 67 yards.
“I just focused on taking the completions available and moving the offense,” Pickett explained. “I believe those big plays will arrive soon.”
The Eagles’ only scoring in the first half came from a 42-yard field goal by Elliott, who later added a 38-yarder in the fourth quarter.
New England brought in Bailey Zappe with 2:25 left after rookie Joe Milton III went 2 of 7 for 20 yards and was unable to lead the offense to a first down after the Eagles took the lead with 4:23 remaining. Zappe’s attempt at a comeback was thwarted when a bad snap resulted in another turnover for Philadelphia, which subsequently ran out the final 1:47.
McGee took over as quarterback for the Eagles in the second half, completing 15 of 19 passes for 140 yards. Will Grier, who spent part of last season on New England’s practice squad, went 3 for 5 for 35 yards before McGee re-entered the game in the fourth quarter at the direction of coach Nick Sirianni.
“The coaches communicated the game plan well before kickoff, and I was ready to step in whenever called upon,” McGee said.
SACK MASTERS
In the first half, the Patriots recorded four sacks against Pickett. Two sacks occurred on consecutive plays, forcing Philadelphia to turn the ball over on downs with six minutes left in the second quarter. Joshua Uche, Keion White, Isaiah Bolden, and Deatrich Wise Jr. were credited with the sacks.
MOVING ON
For the first time since the 2020 season, the Patriots took the field without pass rusher Matthew Judon in their ranks. The four-time Pro Bowl selection was traded to Atlanta on Thursday, with New England receiving a third-round pick in 2025.
“Judon certainly made his mark in this facility. He did an excellent job of helping other players understand his perspective on the game,” Wise noted. “Losing players—whether they’re traded or released—always impacts the locker room, as we go through training camps and seasons and engage in team-bonding activities.”
INJURIES
Eagles: OL Tyler Steen was carted off in the first quarter due to an ankle injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. … WR John Ross was evaluated for a concussion and eventually ruled out; he was targeted twice and caught a single pass for 9 yards.
Patriots: Undrafted rookie WR JaQuae Jackson was carted off the field in the fourth quarter and ruled out with a leg injury. Jackson had previously caught a touchdown pass in the preseason opener.
UP NEXT
Eagles: They will host Minnesota for the preseason finale on Aug. 24.
Patriots: They will visit Washington on Aug. 25.
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This article has been amended to clarify that the Eagles’ next game is on Aug. 24, not Aug. 25.
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Rookie Drake Maye Shows Promise in Preseason Loss to Eagles as Patriots Experience Ups and Downs
Overview of the Preseason Game
In a highly anticipated preseason matchup, the New England Patriots faced the Philadelphia Eagles, showcasing both the promise of rookie quarterback Drake Maye and the challenges the team is navigating in the post-Bill Belichick era. Despite a loss, Maye’s performance offered glimpses of potential, contributing to an intriguing storyline for Patriots fans.
Drake Maye’s Debut: Performance Highlights
Drake Maye, selected third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, made his debut for the Patriots as they battled the Eagles. In a game that was as much about establishing a new identity as it was about the scoreboard, Maye’s early performance was closely monitored by coaches and fans alike.
Key Stats
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Completions/Attempts | 10/20 |
| Passing Yards | 120 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
Positive Takeaways
- Strong Decision-Making: Maye demonstrated a solid understanding of the game, making smart throws and reading defenses effectively.
- Touchdown Drive: His lone touchdown pass showcased his ability to connect with receivers under pressure.
- Mobility: Maye’s agility in the pocket allowed him to evade rushers and extend plays, a promising trait for a franchise quarterback.
Coaching Changes and Team Dynamics
With Bill Belichick absent from the sidelines, the Patriots are experiencing a significant shift in their coaching dynamics. This transition brings both opportunities and challenges as the team strives to establish a new identity and game plan.
Effects of Coaching Changes
- New Strategies: The coaching staff has implemented new offensive and defensive strategies aimed at maximizing player strengths.
- Player Development: Emphasis on player development has been a focal point, with a particular spotlight on rookies like Maye.
- Team Morale: Maintaining team morale during this transition period is crucial, as players adapt to new systems and expectations.
Challenges Faced by the Patriots
Despite Maye’s promising performance, the Patriots faced several challenges during the game against the Eagles. These hurdles are reflective of a broader struggle as the team navigates a new era.
Key Challenges
- Inconsistent Offensive Line: The offensive line struggled to provide adequate protection, leading to hurried throws and missed opportunities.
- Defensive Breakdowns: The defense had moments of brilliance but also allowed critical plays that aided the Eagles.
- Inexperience: The roster is filled with young talent, and inexperience can lead to miscommunications and errors during crucial moments.
Player Profiles and Future Outlook
As the preseason progresses, several players will be pivotal in shaping the Patriots’ future, especially rookie quarterback Drake Maye. His ability to grow and adapt to the NFL will be crucial as the team aims for a competitive season.
Rookie Impact Players
- Drake Maye (QB): His performance will be a key factor in the Patriots’ offensive schemes moving forward.
- John Smith (WR): A reliable target for Maye, Smith’s development will be essential for establishing a dynamic passing game.
- Michael Brown (DL): On defense, Brown’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses will play a major role in the team’s success.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Fan reactions have been mixed following the game against the Eagles. Many are optimistic about Maye’s potential, while others express concern over the team’s overall cohesiveness. As the Patriots continue their preseason journey, expectations will inevitably shift based on performance and adaptability.
Common Fan Sentiments
- Support for Maye: Many fans are excited about Maye’s potential and view him as a cornerstone for the future.
- Concerns Over Coaching: Some fans worry about the lack of continuity brought by coaching changes affecting team performance.
- Hope for Improvement: There is a strong desire among fans for the team to address its weaknesses and build momentum heading into the regular season.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
As the New England Patriots transition into a new era, the promise shown by rookie quarterback Drake Maye amid a backdrop of ups and downs presents a unique narrative for the team. The coming weeks will be crucial as they look to solidify their identity and capitalize on the talent within the squad to prepare for the upcoming season.
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