FOXBOROUGH — The New England Patriots opened their preseason with a solid 17-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night. While the game provided an opportunity for several players to showcase their talents, notable cameos were made by veteran Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye, both of whom had brief stints on the field.
Brissett and Maye Take Center Stage
The Patriots’ preseason opener saw all four quarterbacks get a chance to play, as hinted by head coach Jerod Mayo earlier in the week. Brissett, who started the game, played only one series, going 0-for-3 passing before handing off to Maye. The rookie quarterback, the third overall pick in the 2024 draft, made a brief but noteworthy debut.
Maye’s appearance was met with a mix of polite applause and curiosity, reflective of the low-key reception often reserved for debuting players. “If you’re not nervous for something, it doesn’t mean something to you,” Maye said post-game, acknowledging his pre-game jitters. Despite his nerves, Maye managed to complete 2 of 3 passes for 19 yards, including a 13-yard screen pass to running back Antonio Gibson. His first series was brief but offered a glimpse into his potential.
Zappe and Milton Highlight Second Half
Following Maye’s exit, Bailey Zappe took over and played through the rest of the first half and into the third quarter. Zappe orchestrated the game’s first scoring drive, a five-play, 31-yard series that culminated in a 2-yard touchdown run by Kevin Harris. Despite some early struggles and audible discontent from the crowd, Zappe demonstrated his capability with a 28-yard completion to Kayshon Boutte. He finished 12-for-20 for 108 yards.
The most dynamic performance of the night came from Joe Milton, who entered the game with just under 15 minutes remaining in the third quarter. Known for his impressive arm strength and occasional inconsistency, Milton made an immediate impact. His 12-yard run late in the third quarter set up a field goal by Joey Slye, and he later connected with JaQuae Jackson on a 38-yard touchdown pass. Milton’s performance ended with a line of 4-for-6 passing for 54 yards and a touchdown, earning praise from both Brissett and Mayo.
Game Insights and Future Outlook
The Patriots’ victory was highlighted by a balanced quarterback performance, with each player contributing to the overall success. While the game showcased early preseason jitters and adjustments, the performances of Zappe and Milton were particularly notable. Milton’s ability to lead a scoring drive and display his arm strength added a promising dimension to the Patriots’ quarterback depth.
Coach Mayo expressed satisfaction with the team’s execution, particularly noting Milton’s unexpected performance. “I thought he came in and played well,” Mayo said, acknowledging Milton’s contributions. “He led us on a touchdown drive with a great touchdown to JaQuae Jackson.”
As the Patriots continue their preseason preparations, the quarterback competition remains one of the most intriguing aspects of their roster evaluation. With Brissett, Maye, Zappe, and Milton all vying for attention, the coming games will further clarify their roles and potential contributions for the upcoming season.
