Why the Hell Is Drake Maye Not Playing? Is He Injured or Just Being Benched?
Drake Maye, the New England Patriots’ rookie quarterback, has become the center of controversy as Week 18 of the 2024 NFL season approaches. He was expected to start against the Buffalo Bills, but his status is now shrouded in uncertainty due to a hand injury, questionable coaching decisions, and the team’s apparent strategy to tank for the No. 1 draft pick. Here’s a closer look at the chaos:
1. Injury Concerns
Maye was listed as questionable for Week 18 after injuring his throwing hand, which kept him out of practice. Adding to the concern, he suffered a head injury in Week 17 against the Chargers. Are the Patriots risking his health unnecessarily, or is their medical staff failing to safeguard their rookie quarterback’s future?
2. One Drive and Done
Maye started the game against the Bills but was pulled after just one drive—a drive that ended with him being sacked on third down. Backup Joe Milton III took over, leaving fans baffled. Was this a calculated move to protect Maye, or just another example of poor decision-making by the coaching staff? Either way, it’s a blow to his development.
3. Tanking for the Top Pick?
Let’s call it what it is: the Patriots are tanking. With a 3-13 record, they’re gunning for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Playing Maye in a meaningless game risked both his health and their chances of securing the top draft position. Instead of giving their rookie valuable game experience, they benched him to guarantee a loss. Is this strategy smart or just plain disgraceful?
4. Jerod Mayo’s Leadership Under Fire
Head coach Jerod Mayo insisted Maye would play if healthy, praising the rookie’s competitiveness. However, starting him only to bench him after one drive reeks of indecision. Is Mayo attempting to send a message, or is he simply out of his depth in managing his young quarterback? Either way, it reflects poorly on a coach expected to lead the team’s rebuild.
5. Reckless or Negligent?
Playing Maye in a game with no stakes was a reckless decision. Given his history of concussions and an offensive line that has struggled to protect him all season, the Patriots were flirting with disaster. Was this move about player development, or just another instance of the organization prioritizing draft picks over player safety?
Conclusion
Drake Maye’s Week 18 saga is a cocktail of injuries, questionable coaching, and blatant tanking. The decision to start him and then bench him after one drive is either a calculated strategy or an unmitigated disaster—depending on who you ask. One thing is clear: the Patriots are far from their glory days, and Maye’s future hangs in the balance as the team continues to fumble its way through a messy rebuild.