Since the day the Patriots drafted Drake Maye with the third overall pick, fans have been eager to see Maye light it up whenever he steps on the field, but that hasn't been the case through training camp.
The 21-year-old flashed his arm talent in the second preseason game and made a strong case to be named the starter Week 1. Head coach Jerod Mayo changed his tune about the quarterback competition, but he and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt still believe Jacoby Brissett is the right man to start in the regular season.
On the latest edition of "Foxboro Rush," NESN's Geroge Balkeji and Travis Thomas disagreed with the coaches. Thomas has been a huge proponent of Maye's ability to start right away, but Balekji remained steadfast in his belief that New England should wait things out.
They both agreed offensive line remains a serious problem for the Patriots, and it would be foolish of Mayo and the coaching staff to throw Maye out there. Thomas agreed the rookie QB should be set up for success, which is why Balekji doesn't prefer to see Maye in the regular season.
Vederian Lowe reportedly is dealing with a "minor" injury, and even for a player who they do not rate that highly, Balekji and Thomas know it can only mean disaster for the offensive line. The opening schedule for the Patriots also doesn't bode well with every team commanding a formidable pass rush unit.
Balekji and Thomas do not deny the talent of Maye and his ability to become the Patriots' franchise quarterback, but until there's significant change for the offensive line, they do not want to see the 2024 first-round pick go out there and be set up for failure.
Hear more of Balekji and Thomas' conversation about the Patriots' preseason finale and the 53-man roster in the YouTube and Spotify embeds.
