Drake Maye, Joe Milton Excite Patriots Fans in NFL Preseason Debuts vs. Panthers

Andrew PetersAugust 9, 2024

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 08: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots looks to make a pass during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium on August 08, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)

Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images

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
.<a href="https://twitter.com/DrakeMaye2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrakeMaye2</a> to Gibson to move the chains ⛓️ 📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/wbzsports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wbzsports</a> <a href="https://t.co/FvfkqDAJNi">pic.twitter.com/FvfkqDAJNi</a>

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. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Patriots?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Patriots</a>

☭ ☭ Mac🎗️🎗️ @Maye2Baker
So Drake Maye looks like the best QB on the team

annoying ohtani fan @owndodgerhaters
Drake maye might be nice

tatums touture chamber @MrRedisMad
I've seen enough Drake maye is the next Tom Brady

Mina Kimes @minakimes
No more Drake Maye??? <a href="https://t.co/SXT5q7Uvzm">pic.twitter.com/SXT5q7Uvzm</a>

Kendra Middleton @KenniMiddleton
Drake Maye should have played one more series 🫣

SlashGaming @ScatteredSlash
DRAKE MAYE starting off hot 🔥🔥🔥

Davon Evans @GoodFellah91
Drake Maye already better than Mac Jones 😂

Clarke Sports @ClarkeSports
It's early but Drake Maye looks real good.

Dom @DomDoesNFL
No mistake that Drake Maye's first throw as a Patriot is a first down 😌 <a href="https://t.co/jHFgosp0nw">https://t.co/jHFgosp0nw</a>

Tahj @ongirizoro3
Early but liking the check downs from Drake Maye

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 <a href="https://twitter.com/Patriots?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@patriots</a> TD! 📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CARvsNE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CARvsNE</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/nflnetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nflnetwork</a> 📱: Stream on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLPlus?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLPlus</a> <a href="https://t.co/VtHbpnA0ri">pic.twitter.com/VtHbpnA0ri</a>

New England Patriots @Patriots
.<a href="https://twitter.com/Qbjayy7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Qbjayy7</a> running alllll over the field 🏃💨 📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/wbzsports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wbzsports</a> <a href="https://t.co/Q3ZqVuIuTb">pic.twitter.com/Q3ZqVuIuTb</a>

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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

Hank Lockwood @hen_ease
Joe Milton is a STUD

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." <a href="https://t.co/onBKv1Sb7T">pic.twitter.com/onBKv1Sb7T</a>

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.

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