In a recent article from Bleacher Report's Alex Kay, some of the worst quarterback rooms in the league were highlighted, and it was an article in which the Patriots were not included, a pleasant but well-deserved surprise after the past few seasons. Kay ranked the Saints, Colts, and Browns the worst of the three, while Cam Ward's Titans claimed the fourth spot. Patriots rival Jets came in fifth, a team now led by Justin Fields.
Not only did the Patriots manage to escape the top five, but they also were not a part of the honorable mentions, which included teams with more uncertain futures: the Vikings and Giants. The Aaron Rodgers-led Steelers also made an appearance.
Just twelve months ago, the Patriots' room featured Jacoby Brissett as the starter, Drake Maye as the QB2. Joe Milton III and Bailey Zappe were still on the roster then, too. Now, only one remains in Maye, who is now the QB1 since taking over midseason. Josh Dobbs was signed as an experienced backup, while Fresno State/Louisiana quarterback Ben Wooldridge will have the opportunity to compete, too.
Avoiding criticism shows there is a universal confidence in Drake Maye
There's no doubt Maye flashed last season. He totaled 17 touchdowns to ten interceptions and passed for nearly 2,300 yards in his 13 appearances. He also made a statement with his rushing, averaging 7.8 yards per carry, the second most by a QB in the league, and amassed 421 yards.
For a veteran, this would be an iffy stat line, but considering Maye's inexperience and what he had to work with, it excited fans to think what he could do given more weapons. Now, he has just that.
While Patriots fans have been hopeful for Maye's 2025, most people don't seem to feel the same way. The Patriots are often ranked near the bottom of the league in quarterback room rankings, while at least in this list, Maye and company crack the top 24.
Is it unreasonable to question the Patriots' room? I'd say so. While Maye was exciting last year, he turned over the ball quite a bit, throwing ten interceptions across ten games he started and finished. Josh Dobbs is a sound backup, but Wooldridge, a rookie who turns 26 in September, won't likely make the roster.
I suggested C.J. Beathard as an option for another depth piece a few weeks ago, and that still could materialize if the backups aren't performing up to par.
Skepticism is understandable given the turnover-prone group. With the addition of Stefon Diggs along with Will Campbell and Morgan Moses added to the offensive line, though, Maye and company have better weapons and more time to find those weapons.
Naturally, there will be skeptics, but the Patriots are relieved from being one of the worst eight quarterback rooms. It might not say much, but given there was reason for them to be the worst this time last year, it's certainly a step in the right direction. Despite past criticism, it certainly seems that Drake Maye's 2024 play, paired with the addition of Josh Dobbs, has put the league at least somewhat on notice.