The New England Patriots decided to start from scratch after the 2023 NFL season by firing longtime head coach Bill Belichick, hiring former player Jerod Mayo as the new leader on the sideline, and trading quarterback Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars in favor of selecting rookie Drake Maye with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Right out of the gate, after this massive overhaul, the Patriots surprised everyone with the biggest upset of Week 1, traveling to Paycor Stadium and beating Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals.
Unfortunately, that upset over the Bengals was the only positive thing that has happened for the Patriots this season, with the team losing four straight games against the Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins.
Along with losing week after week, rumors were swirling about the locker room starting to get frustrated with the situation, as many believed it was time to bench veteran quarterback Jacboy Brissett in favor of Maye.
On Tuesday, after losing to the division-rival Dolphins at Gillette Stadium, the Patriots coaching staff decided to make a change at quarterback, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
A QB change in New England: the Patriots are now planning to turn to rookie first-round pick Drake Maye to start Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans, per source.
Maye now will join Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix as the fourth rookie quarterback to start this… pic.twitter.com/39CpcLBnRq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 8, 2024
Here are some fan reactions to Maye becoming the new starting quarterback for the Patriots after Week 5:
They should’ve started him against a bad defense
— Aidan LaPorta (@AidanLaPorta69) October 8, 2024
They really throwing him to the Texans? 🤦🏼♂️
— Waka Flockas 3rd Cousin (@Wakas3rdCousin) October 8, 2024
LETS GOOOOO
— Savage (@SavageSports_) October 8, 2024
If Patriot fans think this is gonna turn their season around, they’ve got another thing coming.
— Randy Ragsdale (@SashaMania36) October 8, 2024
The primary concern for the Patriots when it comes to Maye is his health because the team’s offensive line is not exactly pulling its weight at this point, which means the rookie could be under siege when he makes his first start against the Houston Texans in Week 6.
However, many rookie quarterbacks are getting their chance to prove their worth this season, with Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix all current starters of their respective teams.
