Patriots starting Drake Maye could instantly improve their chances in 2024

After months of questions and speculation, the Patriots head coach, Jerod Mayo, has finally done what should have been done earlier and decided to start his best quarterback, rookie Drake Maye. Maye won the job throughout the summer, and he deserves the opportunity.

What this all means to the team after a dismal start is subject to more speculation. Who knows? Certainly, there is no crystal ball here. Yet, there are many reasons why Maye's introduction could help the team reverse its slide and go on to ... whatever.

While the record is 1-4, there is time for the Pats to right the ship. But make no mistake about it, this would be a magical dose of the captaincy of this listing vessel if Coach Mayo and rookie Maye can make it happen.

Nevertheless, let's explore how and why it may not be as far-fetched as it seems.

Drake Maye provides an infusion of enthusiasm for a listless Patriots team

Whatever Maye's performance may ultimately be, his insertion into the lineup makes a lot of sense. The passing game has been to be kind, less than inspiring. It would be hard to imagine that it could get much worse. Much of the problem was not on the former starter, Jacoby Brissett, who was battered by a sieve-like offensive line from pillar to post.

Little is likely to change there. So why the optimism? It lies in the skill set of the new starter. Drake Maye is a totally different quarterback than Brissett. The thought here was that signing a career backup was a lousy decision by personnel head Eliot Wolf if he thought he had a bona fide NFL starter.

Maye, on the other hand, offers a lot more on the field. First, being much more mobile, he's far better equipped to avoid the inevitable deluge of pass-rushers in his face. Yet, don't expect miracles. We have no clue if this coaching staff can tailor their vanilla offense to take advantage of Maye's skills.

Also, the offensive line is the most important unit on the field after the quarterback. Yet, again, due to poor personnel management (e.g., not adding left tackle[s] in the off-season) and injuries, it's in tatters. Maye's pocket-escapability will help.

Most importantly, Maye's ability to escape the rush and run for yardage provides a more daunting challenge to opposing defenses, no matter how good they may be (like the Texans this week). If you bring the house too often, Maye will eventually burn you with his legs. They have to contingency plan for that. Any additional planning for defenses is good.

Patriots passing game with Maye at the helm

The Patriots running game is OK, averaging 141 yards per game at a 4.2 yards per carry clip. That's decent production. Passing has been another story, with a paltry 166 yards per game and only two touchdown passes in five games. It's hard to fathom Maye will be any worse.

In addition to the previously mentioned ability to elude the rush and run, Maye also has a cannon of an arm that will threaten downfield. Again, the defense has to plan for that. He can also make every throw in the book from any angle, including on the run. That's a positive attribute for a team whose O-line can't pass-block.

While Maye's receiving corps is nothing to write home about, there has been talk about their WRs being open and not being found. Maye will find them more often, and with the return of receiver Kendrick Bourne to pair with Demario Douglas, they could emerge as a threat.

About the season, 1-4 is not a great starting point for righting a sinking ship. Yet, in 2021, the Patriots emerged from a 2-4 start to make the playoffs, and they should have won the AFC East Division and had a playoff bye to boot. The AFC East is reeling, and the Patriots are only two games off the top. Since those other three teams will beat each other, all is not yet lost.

A couple of early wins led by Maye could get the team right back in the race in a hurry. And his insertion can't help but inspire his teammates and give them all a lift. Is a playoff run likely, no. Is it possible? You never know until they play the games.

One thing is certain, Gillette Stadium will be rocking on Sunday, and that can't hurt.

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