New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye has had a rocky start since stepping into the starting role this season. The Patriots haven’t exactly set him up for success, with a struggling offensive line and one of the NFL’s weakest wide receiver groups. Still, the young QB has shown moments of promise and, despite the challenges, continues to zero in on what he can control—his own game.

After four NFL starts, Maye is already taking responsibility for his shortcomings. “I’ve got to protect the football,” he said candidly. “That’s the biggest thing.” Turnovers have been a concern, and Maye knows that limiting mistakes is critical if he’s going to make a real impact in the league. His willingness to own up to his flaws shows a maturity that Patriots fans can rally behind, especially in a season where help from the front office has been scarce.

Another area Maye is working on is his decision to scramble. While he’s shown he can take off with the ball, he’s clear about wanting to become a true passer. “I want to be a passer in this league,” he explained, emphasizing that “you have to be a passer to be successful.” This mindset echoes that of seasoned quarterbacks who know the importance of finding success from the pocket.

With the Patriots’ lack of offensive weapons, Maye’s self-awareness and focus on improvement are crucial. He’s now preparing for an exciting face-off with fellow rookie QB Caleb Williams, hoping to show his growth despite the Patriots’ current struggles. For Maye, it’s all about honing his skills and proving he can rise above the adversity stacked against him this season.

The Patriots’ painful struggles: Poor Drafts, trades, and an unraveling season

The Patriots‘ rough 2024 season has brought a glaring spotlight on their draft and trade decisions, particularly concerning their offensive line. The most recent of which was the Patriots not making a single move at the NFL trade deadline in order to acquire an extra piece or two to assist Drake Maye. This has led to many dubbing Maye as the trade deadline loser.

New England’s front has been a revolving door, ranking 31st in pressure rate allowed, despite facing the ninth-fewest blitzes in the league. As legendary ex-coach Bill Belichick pointed out, “The Patriots got a lot of questions to answer,” noting the lack of stability and consistency as major pain points.

On the draft front, the Patriots hoped third-round rookie Caedan Wallace would strengthen the line, but injuries and inconsistent play landed him on injured reserve. Veteran Mike Onwenu’s uncertain position—guard or tackle—adds further chaos, while other players, like Layden Robinson and Sidy Sow, haven’t shown the development fans hoped for.

Trade decisions have also haunted New England. Instead of targeting top-tier free agents like Ronnie Stanley or Trey Smith, they rolled the dice on cheaper, less proven options. Even Belichick remarked, “I don’t know how many more [winnable games] are coming down the line.”

For years, the Patriots thrived by plugging and playing talent, but those quick fixes aren’t holding up. As they head toward the draft, many hope the team addresses these offensive line woes and finds a receiver who can finally click with rookie QB Drake Maye. The stakes are high, and with their current record, fans are anxious to see if New England will finally invest where it matters most.