Drake Maye sets rare NFL mark for QBs in debut with Patriots

Drake Maye didn’t lead the New England Patriots to victory in his first NFL start — they lost to the Houston Texans 41-21 on Sunday to fall to 1-5 — but for a franchise that has been in search of a franchise quarterback since Tom Brady’s departure after the 2019 season, early returns are positive for the rookie.

Maye, the third overall pick out of North Carolina in the 2024 NFL Draft, did throw an interception on his second drive, lost the ball on a sack on the second play of the third quarter, and tossed a second pick early in the fourth quarter. Outside of that, he had a serviceable day, going 20-of-33 for 243 yards while throwing for 3 touchdowns and adding a team-high 38 yards on 5 carries.

Dating back to 1950, according to NFL researcher Dante Koplowitz-Fleming, Maye is the first quarterback to have at least 3 passing touchdowns and serve as his team’s leading rusher in his first start:

Drake Maye is the first QB since at least 1950 to throw 3+ touchdowns and lead his team in rushing in his first career start@NFLPlus

— Dante Koplowitz-Fleming (@DanteKopFlem) October 13, 2024

In comparison, Jacoby Brissett, the Patriots’ starter to begin the season, had 2 touchdown passes in 5 games, one reason why he was ultimately benched by head coach Jerod Mayo in favor of Maye. His high in passing yards in 2024 was 168, set against the San Francisco 49ers.

As for Maye, it wasn’t a perfect outing, but it was a good first step.

Sydney Hunte

Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.