Watching Drake Maye play on Sunday against the Houston Texans was like having that first taste of a fine wine, and craving more after the initial glass.
It was like hitting a bucket of golf balls at the range, slicing and shanking quite a few, but then connecting on one so perfectly and purely, and watching that beauty soar, that you buy another bucket to try and do it again.
That was one of the Maye aftershocks after the rookie’s first start.
Ever since Tom Brady departed, Patriots fans have longed for a quarterback that gave them that feeling, that yearning to see more.
Cam Newton, Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe and Jacoby Brissett didn’t do the trick. There was no spark, and no internal tug to watch the Patriots the following week. Quarterback play didn’t provide a compelling reason to tune in next game.
After one start, Maye elicited that kind of response. He prompted the “I can’t wait to see more” reaction.
Even while getting smoked by the Texans, losing 41-21, the Patriots couldn’t have scripted a better opening act for their prized rookie.
Now, he wasn’t perfect. He wasn’t extraordinary by any means, throwing two picks and losing a fumble to tally three turnovers. But Maye still showed plenty in his NFL debut as a starter.
He displayed the type of talent, savvy, toughness and playing style that lends itself to success in today’s NFL.
Between his rocket arm, quick release, ability to run, accuracy throwing into tight windows, and his overall fearlessness, he was able to make the type of plays that have been missing in recent years.
He threw three touchdown passes, deftly delivering the ball downfield in the process.
For one game anyway, watching the offense was fun again even if the game was lopsided. With Maye under center, showing flashes of elite quarterback play, there was hope for a better future.
The offensive line is still a problem – Maye was sacked four times – and all the concerns are still real. But Maye, who made plays whether he was getting protection or not, provided a lift.
He played well enough to spark interest. And it’s not just from fans. The players, particularly those on offense, were energized by the former UNC standout.
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The Patriots lost by 20 points, but the receivers were beaming after the game, talking about the quarterback.
Demario ‘Pop’ Douglas and Kayshon Boutte had career days. Maye spread the ball around hitting every receiver at least once, along with both tight ends, and his two running backs.
He made plays while getting blitzed, either standing in, or moving outside of the pocket throwing off-script. He didn’t seem overwhelmed by the moment, or the oncoming pass rush.
Kendrick Bourne couldn’t say enough about the rookie, calling him a natural leader who carries an aura. He said the players feel it in the huddle. As for his playing ability, that also passed muster with his teammates.
“The way he was running the ball was impressive. I think his athleticism, his ability to throw on the run and things like that,” Bourne said following the game when asked what was impressive about Maye as a player. “It’s how he runs with his body, like he’s running left, but facing forward to throw the ball. I think those traits are what you see around the league. Patrick Mahomes, these new age quarterbacks, throwing the ball on the run, extending plays.”
The Patriots had a plan on when to start the rookie. During his Monday morning appearance on WEEI, Jerod Mayo said they were trying to get a handle on the offensive line before putting him out there. While the line remains a sore spot and work in progress, the offense with Jacoby Brissett under center, averaged just 12.4 points per game the first five games. Change was needed.
None of this is meant as a knock on Brissett. He was asked to be the placeholder until Maye was ready, and he did just that. It’s not his fault he doesn’t have the same skillset as the third overall pick. He can’t be blamed for not being a “new age” quarterback.
The good news for the Patriots, is they finally have one in the huddle. They have a quarterback who for the time being has piqued interest and captured the imagination of many.
Sunday morning’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London can’t come soon enough.
