Alex Van Pelt’s offense needs a spark for the New England Patriots. Drake Maye hopes to provide it on Sunday in his first NFL start.
The rookie quarterback takes over for Jacoby Brissett after the Patriots lost four consecutive games with the veteran under center. New England’s offensive coordinator hopes the transition works smoothly.
“It’s like any other week, you’re trying to put the best plan together to win the game,” Van Pelt told reporters on Thursday, per team-provided video. “Obviously with the quarterback change, you change a little bit in your approach. That’s definitely true.”
Maye watched from the sidelines in recent weeks to add experience to the relative youth after less than 30 college starts at North Carolina. Now, Maye shows the potential to inject some much needed life into the Patriots offensively.
“Offensively, we’re not where we want to be from a production standpoint, especially in the passing game,” Van Pelt admitted. “That leads to some of that decision. Also the fact to see his growth and development over those weeks of practice and what he’s put on the practice field.”
“I’m excited to see Drake play,” Van Pelt added. “It’s his time. I think he’s prepared. He’s done a great job on the practice field getting ready for this moment. Not to take anything away from Jacoby. I’m so proud of him and what he’s accomplished.”
The Patriots consistently discussed the plan in place for Maye. That’s surely moved up based on the record and lack of scoring in recent weeks that puts the future franchise quarterback into position to take the field.
“He’s like a sponge,” Van Pelt added. “He stands back there and watches everything. He’s very involved in the meetings, very vocal in the meetings as well. His knowledge has grown since we’ve had him since the draft. He’s more prepared now than he ever has been to handle the challenges that will be presented on Sunday. Again, his play on the field, to watch the balls he throws out there. The accuracy, the down the field stuff that he’s been able to show on the practice field gives us a chance to go win on Sunday.”
The Patriots and Texans kick off on Sunday at Gillette Stadium at 1 p.m. ET.