Key Takeaways:
– Former NFL quarterback and Patriots assistant coach Chris Simms predicts rookie Drake Maye won’t start for New England Patriots in Week 1 against Cincinnati Bengals.
– Patriots are considered ‘losers’ of NFL schedule release due to an upcoming series of talented quarterback opponents.
– The Patriots plan to develop Drake Maye and create optimism for the 2025 season.
– Jacoby Brissett, not Drake Maye, might be the potential starting quarterback, particularly for Week 1.
Potential Risk in Forecasting Maye’s Week 1 Starting Chances
Chris Simms, a former NFL quarterback and Patriots assistant coach, has cast doubts on the likelihood of New England Patriots’ rookie quarterback, Drake Maye, making an initial appearance in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals. His prediction comes on the heels of the May 16 schedule release and is heavily tied to Cincinnati’s expected strong comeback. The Bengals, who missed the playoffs in 2023, expect a strong season with quarterback Joe Burrow’s return from a wrist injury.
“I don’t think we’re gonna see Drake Maye on day one… I think we got Jacoby Brissett,” Simms commented during Pro Football Talk on May 16.
A Season of Challenges for the Patriots
The Patriots were tagged as the ‘losers’ of the NFL schedule release by Jeff Howe of The Athletic due to an upcoming lineup of talented quarterback adversaries. Despite facing a daunting first-place worthy schedule after their 4-13 record in the previous season, the Patriots’ main goal for the 2024 season will be to groom Maye for the anticipated 2025 season.
The team is slated to face formidable opponents including Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers, and Tua Tagovailoa amongst others. A major fraction of their matchups is expected to be dominated by this collection of top-tier quarterbacks. “Injuries will likely erase some of those matchups, but those QBs currently are the Patriots’ adversaries in 15 of their 17 games,” stated Howe.
A Ray of Hope with Jacoby Brissett
Despite the uncertainties, the Patriots may find solace in turning to Jacoby Brissett, who they’ve brought in as a potential bridge quarterback and mentor for Maye. Brissett, who started his career with the Patriots as a third round choice in 2016, has an impressive record of three touchdowns versus three interceptions in three career games against the Bengals. Maye, on the other hand, had joined while the team was undergoing a considerable rebuild, having not won a playoff game since Tom Brady’s departure in 2020.
Simms continued by noting Maye’s stronger foundation and professional readiness compared to his peers, pointing towards his solid frame, effectiveness at passing to the middle field, and his intuition with regards to pressure. Despite these notable attributes, and given the less-than-ideal performance of their receivers, a start with Brissett might be on the horizon for the Patriots considering the impending Week 1 game against Bengals.