NFL Rookie QB Musings, Week 6: Drake Maye, Spencer Rattler thrust into the spotlight

Drake Maye’s day has come in New England. 

After a 15-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 5, the 1-4 Patriots are setting their sights towards the future…now.  As announced by various NFL outlets on Tuesday, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft will get his first NFL start against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.

The quarterback change is not surprising after the struggles of veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, but the timing looks to be ahead of schedule as Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has been adamant in sticking with Brissett until the 22-year-old QB was ready.

While there was no doubt as to who the more talented option is, the concern in sticking Maye in there now is more about the overall team and the condition of the offensive line.  After the team’s Week 1 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, Brissett has taken a beating due to O-line struggles.  Fans and former players like Rob Gronkowski are fearing the same fate of Maye.

Patriots better off with Drake Maye in the pocket 

But, on the flip side, the rookie does have a quicker release and is more mobile than Brissett.  Could that be a reason the team is moving on with Maye?

In the preseason, Maye did show he could move the pocket and make plays with his leg when necessary.  He also showed off his arm talent by making plays down the field.  If anything, those aspects to his game will inject some energy into the Patriots’ offense even if he struggles a bit.  With the direction the team looks to be headed, Mayo and the coaching staff needs an adjustment.  Hopefully, the players rallying behind the rookie will be the start of something brand new in Foxbrough.

At the very least, something exciting to look forward to.

It’s Spencer Rattler time in down in New Orleans

Down in New Orleans, another rookie quarterback will be getting his chance to shine in the NFL. 

As a result of the Derek Carr injury, Saints head coach Dennis Allen announced Wednesday that the team is turning to 2024 NFL Draft fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler as their starter vs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6.

"We talked a lot as a staff about what we felt like was the best thing for us and give us the best chance to win the game," Allen said, via the team’s official website. "That was the decision that we made, and we're excited about him getting the opportunity to go in there, and we'll let him go play and see what he can do."

After a hot 2-0 start, the Saints have slipped to 2-3 which was compounded by the Carr oblique injury.  If not for that hot start by the veteran quarterback, there would’ve already been rumblings about Rattler due to the buzz created in the preseason when Rattler showed flash when he was on the field.  In the preseason, Rattler completed 20 of 38 passes for 2023 yards and a touchdown.

His confidence on the field not only persuaded his coaching staff that he has the makeup of a starter in this league, but top receiver Chris Olave gave praise to Rattler which may just go a long way in how the rookie QB performs in his first NFL start.  While Carr may not lose his starting job to injury, he must be looking over his shoulder at a talented arm who could easily win over Who Dat Nation.

In all, the early struggles and success of Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix have set the blueprint of how the Patriots and Saints should handle their rookie quarterbacks.  Although the No. 3 overall pick, the challenge may be tougher for Maye due to what he doesn’t have around him.  Right now, that is a strong offensive line and explosive playmakers.  Rattler on the other hand is walking into a situation where he won’t have all the burden placed on him.  Don’t be surprise if Rattler has a better debut.