The New England Patriots haven’t yet determined who their starting quarterback will be for their Week 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Jacoby Brissett is expected to begin the year under center, but if rookie Drake Maye impresses during offseason workouts, including training camp, he could surpass the veteran.
Earlier this week, Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport put together stat projections for all the assumed starters, and he gave Maye the start for New England.
Davenport predicts Maye will complete 59.6% of his passes for 2,822 yards, 15 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also adds 127 rushing yards and a score on the ground.
These numbers would essentially make Maye the worst starter in the league in 2024.
Davenport does point out New England’s lack of weapons as a key reason for his projected struggles for the quarterback, which is a fair point.
The Patriots may have added two rookie wideouts and a veteran in free agency, but the collection of talent is still mediocre at best.
Still, if Maye starts a whole season, he can’t be completing less than 60% of his passes. That’s a low bar that quarterbacks in this league, no matter their weapons, should pass.
