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The Drake Maye era is here for the New England Patriots.
The No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft made his preseason debut on Thursday against the Carolina Panthers, beginning what Pats fans hope will be the start of a storied career.
While he only played one series, he looked solid in his first showing against NFL competition. He completed two of his three passes, picking up 19 receiving yards and looking poised despite the added pressure that comes with playing at the next level.
New England Patriots @Patriots
.@DrakeMaye2 to Gibson to move the chains ⛓️
After fans got a first look at Maye, many expressed excitement for his upcoming rookie year, while others lamented that he played just one series.
Nolan @PatriotHoncho
Pats RB Gibson is gonna be really good. Drake Maye…way better than Mac Jones. Yuge upgrade. #Patriots
Mina Kimes @minakimes
No more Drake Maye??? pic.twitter.com/SXT5q7Uvzm
Dom @DomDoesNFL
No mistake that Drake Maye’s first throw as a Patriot is a first down 😌 https://t.co/jHFgosp0nw
But Maye wasn’t the only rookie quarterback exciting fans on Thursday. Former Tennessee star Joe Miltion, who the Patriots selected in the sixth round, completed four of his six passes for 54 yards and a touchdown, showing off his massive arm.
NFL @NFL
Joe Milton with the 🚀🎯 for the @patriots TD!
📺: #CARvsNE on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/VtHbpnA0ri
New England Patriots @Patriots
.@Qbjayy7 running alllll over the field 🏃💨
Milton’s play had Patriots fans hyped about their two rookies.
Céad Míle Fáilte @ColeyMick
Joe Milton has won over the hearts and minds of the entire New England region
Steve Perrault @Steve_Perrault
Joe Milton about to lead the Patriots to at least 5 straight Super Bowl titles.
Adam Pellerin @adampellerin
“Guy, Patriots drafted Joe Milton in the sixth round. Ya know who else was drafted in the sixth round???”
“Thomas Edward Patrick freakin’ Brady.” pic.twitter.com/onBKv1Sb7T
The Patriots have a tough game against the Philadelphia Eagles next week and will face No. 2 pick Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders later in preseason, so Maye and Milton could get some more playing time in those matchups.
It’s hard to gauge much from just a few snaps, but fans seem plenty excited for Maye and Milton. After a disappointing tenure from Mac Jones, New England is hoping to have a franchise quarterback who can turn things around. Whether Maye or Milton will be the one to do so is to be determined, but the two took one step towards that goal on Thursday.
