Drake Maye Shines in QB Debut as Patriots Win 17-3 Without Belichick

The New England Patriots kicked off their 2024 preseason with a fresh twist: their first game in 24 years without Bill Belichick at the helm. In a matchup against the Carolina Panthers, the Patriots secured a 17-3 victory, showcasing some promising moments, especially from their new quarterback, Drake Maye. Here’s a deep dive into the game that marked a significant chapter for both teams.

A New Era for the Patriots: Bill Belichick’s Absence

For the first time since January 2, 2000, the Patriots took to the field without the legendary Bill Belichick leading from the sidelines. After a storied tenure that included six Super Bowl victories, Belichick’s departure left a void that fans and players were eager to see filled.

Enter Jerod Mayo, New England’s new head coach and the youngest in NFL history at 38. Hired just a day after Belichick’s departure, Mayo wore a white Patriots pullover as he guided his team through this new beginning. His approach was straightforward: test the new talent and set the tone for the future.

Drake Maye’s Debut: A Glimpse of Potential

Drake Maye, the highly anticipated third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had his debut under the spotlight. The rookie quarterback played just one series, but it was enough to ignite hope and excitement among Patriots fans.

As light rain fell over the field, Maye stepped onto the turf to a warm reception from the sparse crowd. His first pass was a screen to Antonio Gibson for a 13-yard gain. Although his next deep throw was off-target, Maye’s brief appearance (2 completions on 3 attempts for 19 yards) was enough to showcase his potential. “I think I was a little nervous,” Maye admitted. “Nerves are a good thing. After that first snap, you settle in.”

Bailey Zappe and Joe Milton III: Competing for the Spotlight

The Patriots’ quarterback competition extended beyond Maye’s debut. Bailey Zappe, a fan favorite from last season, took over for the third series and went 12 of 20 for 108 yards. Despite a mixed reception from the crowd, Zappe remained composed, reflecting on the fan reactions with his usual confidence.

Rookie Joe Milton III, a sixth-round pick from Tennessee, played the final quarter and a half, adding excitement with a couple of impressive scrambles. Milton’s 4 of 6 performance for 54 yards included a standout 38-yard touchdown pass that thrilled the audience.

Panthers’ New Leadership: Dave Canales and Rookie Performance

The Carolina Panthers also debuted under new leadership. Dave Canales, the franchise’s seventh head coach, focused on evaluating rookies and newcomers. “Tonight was about our first-time guys,” Canales said. “They ran and played hard, and it was a great opportunity for me to understand the flow of the game and communication.”

With star quarterback Bryce Young and backup Andy Dalton sidelined, the Panthers’ offense was led by Jack Plummer, who completed 11 of 21 passes for 86 yards. Running back Mike Boone, one of seven on the roster, had a modest performance with eight carries for 34 yards.

Key Takeaways and Future Prospects

For Patriots fans, seeing Belichick absent was a jarring experience. Fran Vicino, a 61-year-old season ticket holder, noted the change, saying, “It is different. That’s why we’re here tonight because I want to see what we’ve got.”

In a game featuring the NFL’s two lowest-scoring teams from the previous season, New England capitalized on its opportunities. Kevin Harris’ 2-yard touchdown run, set up by Zappe’s 28-yard pass to Kayshon Boutte, gave the Patriots a 7-0 lead.

The Panthers, coming off a dismal 2-15 season, faced their own challenges, including injuries to defensive tackle Jaden Crumedy and right tackle Badara Traore. The Patriots, meanwhile, reported no new injuries.

What’s Next?

The Patriots will continue their preseason with a matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on August 15, while the Panthers will host the New York Jets on August 17. These games will further reveal how well the new strategies and players are shaping up for the season ahead.

In summary, while the game highlighted the end of an era for the Patriots, it also marked the beginning of new opportunities. With fresh faces like Drake Maye and Jerod Mayo at the helm, New England is poised for an intriguing season. For Carolina, the focus will be on integrating new talent and overcoming injury setbacks as they prepare for their next challenge.