Rookie quarterback Drake Maye made a significant impact for the New England Patriots during their preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, leading the team on two scoring drives and scoring a touchdown himself. Maye, the No. 3 overall draft pick out of North Carolina, played in the second and third quarters, finishing with 47 passing yards on 6 of 11 completions. The Patriots also received two field goals from Joey Slye in the game.
The Patriots were ahead 13-6 in the fourth quarter, but the Eagles made a comeback with a touchdown from rookie running back Kendall Milton and a successful 2-point conversion, winning the game 14-13. The Eagles’ Jake Elliott also contributed with two field goals in the match.
Patriots’ projected starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett had a disappointing performance, going 3 for 7 for 17 yards before being replaced by Maye. Maye’s entry into the game was welcomed by the crowd, and he delivered with a 12-yard pass to rookie Javon Baker, setting up a field goal to tie the game at 3.
Maye scored a touchdown from 4 yards out just before halftime, giving the Patriots a 10-3 lead. Despite a fumble early in the third quarter, Maye managed the game well, although the Patriots struggled to convert third downs. The Eagles opted to rest starting QB Jalen Hurts for the second consecutive preseason game, giving backup Kenny Pickett playing time.
Defensively, the Patriots excelled with four sacks on Pickett in the first half, with Joshua Uche, Keion White, Isaiah Bolden, and Deatrich Wise Jr. all contributing. The game also saw some injuries, with Eagles’ OL Tyler Steen and WR John Ross being ruled out with ankle and concussion issues, respectively. Patriots’ undrafted rookie WR JaQuae Jackson was also carted off with a leg injury.
The Eagles are set to host Minnesota in their preseason finale, while the Patriots will travel to Washington for their next game. This matchup was the first time the Patriots played without Matthew Judon, who was traded to Atlanta, marking the end of his tenure with the team.