Ex-NFL manager mocks Drake Maye's doubts after QB's first start

Many Patriots fans were deeply concerned when Jerod Mayo promoted Drake Maye to starting quarterback.

These worriers thought Maye was doomed. After all, New England doesn't have a deep support staff – especially given the slew of injuries – and its Week 6 opponent was a loaded Houston Texans team that can overwhelm the passer with its best players.

As expected, Maye took his lumps (four sacks) and made mistakes (three turnovers), but he also showed signs of a legitimate franchise signal-caller. ESPN's Louis Riddick took this mixed sentiment as an opportunity to poke fun at people who thought Maye's jump to QB1 signaled the end of the world in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

“Drake Maye taking on the Texans did not permanently ruin the young man or lead to the immediate demise of the Patriots organization,” Maye posted on X on Sunday. “…I was worried. Not. Kid is a stallion. He just needs help in his environment. A LOT OF THEM, too.”

Maye was one of the main reasons New England wasn't completely humiliated by Houston. The 22-year-old helped the Patriots set a season-high point total (21) and became the team's first QB to score more than three touchdowns in a game since the 2023 season opener. His three passing points against the Texans surpassed Jacoby Brissett's point total in New England's first five games (two).

Do Maye and the Patriots still have a long way to go? Absolutely. But no one should look for the panic button after the newbie's first kick in the can.