Concerns brewing over Drake Maye's unexciting showing at Patriots training camp

One of the most anticipated roster battles of the summer for the Patriots was expected to be between Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye, as both were vying for the starting quarterback role for the season ahead. Although the veteran has been consistently labeled the QB1 this offseason, there was a high chance that the rookie might show him up this summer, considering his recent college performance.

Maye has been consistent and good through OTAs and minicamp, even moving up the depth chart during the spring. He's now receiving the second most reps behind Brissett, but the presumed jump Maye would do this summer hasn't happened yet, prompting some to grow concerned.

He has certainly shown progression and has been fairly consistent throughout the offseason process, but he continues not to do what needs to be done to leapfrog Brissett in the starting lineup.

Longtime Patriots reporter and current MassLive writer Karen Guregian believes this is becoming a problem, not just because of the high expectations of Maye to be the face of the franchise in the near future but also because of his slow development.

Drake Maye's lack of exciting play draws concerns from those hoping he's named the Patriots starter

In an article published ahead of Sunday's training camp, Guregian recounts Maye's progress since training camp began last week.

She discusses the repeated assertion from Jerod Mayo and Alex Van Pelt that Brissett is the starter, while also leaving the door open for that to change if Maye impresses, while sharing her worries about Maye not improving his chance at being named the starter for Week 1.

"Three practices in, Maye hasn’t exactly lit it up. He’s been up and down. He’s shown flashes of his talent, making several noteworthy throws. But he’s also made mistakes.

Friday’s practice was arguably his worst. He missed a snap count. He threw a bad pick. And, he was so off-target on several throws, that it was tough to tell the intended target.

Thus far, he’s done nothing to suggest he’ll make the decision tough."

Based on what the offense has shown on the practice field thus far, it's not entirely far-fetched for some to question their readiness for the season ahead, including Maye. Yet, at the same time, the practices have been non-padded and non-competitive so far, with pads coming on for the first time this summer this upcoming week.

As expected, the offense has lagged behind the defense, and most practices seem slow going. Neither Brissett nor Maye have done much of anything impressive, so is it fair to already express concern over whether the rookie is ready?

It certainly depends on who you ask, but it's still early enough in training camp not to start panicking, which is a point that Guregian goes on to make. Once the pads come on and preseason begins, we'll get a real good look at where the roster is.

If it still looks questionable late in August, perhaps then it's time to get nervous.

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