FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots wrapped up their disappointing season with both anticipation and uncertainty as rookie quarterback Drake Maye was benched after just one series during their Week 18 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
The Patriots made the decision to start Maye, the third overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, but it proved to be short-lived. After leading the team onto the field at the nearly empty Gillette Stadium, Maye quickly found himself grappling with the pressure of NFL competition. On his first drive, he handed off to running back Antonio Gibson for just two yards before being penalized for delay on second down, resulting from some offensive line miscommunication.
Maye was then unable to connect with tight end Austin Hooper on his next attempt and was sacked on third down by veteran defensive end Von Miller. This dismal opening series sent the Patriots three-and-out, with Maye's performance leading to doubts about the team's offensive strategy, especially considering their already shaky season record.
Following this lackluster start, head coach Jerod Mayo made the calculated decision to replace Maye with fellow rookie Joe Milton III. This change was not just about performance—it was also about safely managing Maye's health and evaluating Milton as the back-up option for the future. The Patriots not only aimed to give Milton some much-needed experience but also played to their strategic advantage: with this current loss, the team could secure the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
Milton's entrance onto the field turned some heads, as he had been activated for this game but hadn’t taken any meaningful snaps until this moment. The 24-year-old quickly made his presence felt by leading the Patriots down the field on his debut drive. Milton connected on all six of his passes, amassing 51 yards and capping the drive with his own one-yard touchdown run, complete with enthusiastic celebration featuring a backflip.
This touchdown put the Patriots up 7-0, though the fan response remained tepid, perhaps due to the long-standing struggles of the team. Buffalo, led by Josh Allen—who came out of the game shortly after Maye's withdrawal—answered back to tie the game 7-7 before a sluggish performance marked the rest of the first half.
Despite Maye's early exit, he concluded his rookie season with respectable stats: 2,276 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions over 11 games played. Milton’s effective performance, on the other hand, raised hopes for the Patriots’ future with the young quarterback. Mayo’s decisions during this closing stretch of the season suggest strategic foresight as the team evaluates its core talents heading forward.
The 3-13 Patriots are now faced with tough decisions as they navigate off-season plans. The emphasis on assessing both Maye and Milton shines light on the importance of quarterback play, especially within the structure of rebuilding the franchise. With the pressure on to find stability under center, the role of next season's draft will be pivotal.
Moving forward, fans will be watching closely to see how the Patriots approach the 2025 Draft. With Maye’s development and Milton’s promising debut, there remains palpable tension mixed with cautious optimism about the fate of the team's future quarterback situation.
The Week 18 matchup against the Bills served not just as a final game for the Patriots but as a trial run for what may lie ahead. While the franchise has endured challenges, they now hold the keys to potentially turning things around with strategic picks and player development laying the foundation for the future.