Heading into their Week 13 game against the Colts, there was some hope the Patriots would be able to bounce back from their devastating loss last Sunday and get back on track to potentially adding another win to their year. It was especially hopeful for a game against the Colts, one of the Patriots' longest rivals.
Recent history suggested that wouldn't be the case, especially when remembering how poorly they fared the last time they matched up with Indianapolis last season. It was the game that likely led to the end of Bill Belichick's time as the head coach, and although this week wasn't as bad as that game, it wasn't much better, either.
From a lack of aggression from the defense and a penalty-ridden offensive line preventing Maye from finishing drives with a touchdown, the Patriots felt doomed from the start.
But that does bring one silver lining up that is hard to ignore and something that should make Patriots fans a bit more excited for the future, even if it is incredibly difficult to feel that way now: Drake Maye.
Drake Maye is the reason to remain optimistic about the Patriots' future
While he's been far from perfect in recent weeks, even more so considering he added his fifth turnover over the last few games, there should be a lot of excitement around the progression of Maye and what he could ultimately become for the Patriots offense. He's proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was the right decision for the new regime to select in the draft earlier this year, and he continues to be the main reason the team remains in games since taking over the offense in Week 6.
That was on display again in this week's game against the Colts, with the rookie trying to overcome the inefficiencies of his offensive line (who racked up five pre-snap penalties in the first half alone) by scrambling for 41 yards early in the first quarter.
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By the end of the game, Maye recorded five carries for 59 yards, just three yards behind Antonio Gibson for the day.
His willingness to do all it takes to help the team win is a valuable trait and comes in handy when their offense is struggling as much as they are this year. It also comes with concern, though, as it leaves Maye vulnerable to hard hits from defenders. But he's gotten better at protecting himself since suffering a concussion earlier in the season.
The fact that he is an incredibly accurate passer, recording an 80% completion against the Colts, and can run is something the Patriots haven't had in their quarterback in a long time. That, coupled with his consistently impressive performances, is enough to make another brutal loss a little more tolerable because the future is bright.
Also:
— Khari D. Thompson (kdthompson5.bsky.social) (@kdthompson5) December 1, 2024
Losing sucks, but Patriots fans won’t have to worry about 3-4 win seasons much longer with this dude at QB. Drake Maye is him.