Thu Oct 17 23:23:28 UTC 2024: ## Maye Shows Promise in First Start Despite Loss, Veteran Center Offers Encouragement
**FOXBOROUGH, MA -** Despite a disappointing loss to the Houston Texans in his first NFL start, Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye displayed encouraging signs, according to veteran center David Andrews.
Maye threw for 263 yards and three touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions and fumbled once. While acknowledging the need for improvement, Andrews praised Maye’s mental fortitude, saying that the young quarterback’s “head is where it needs to be.”
“He knows he left a lot of plays out there,” Andrews said on the “The Quick Snap” podcast, “I thought that was encouraging for me to see. He’s not satisfied with that.”
Maye echoed those sentiments, expressing regret for the turnovers and vowing to take better care of the ball in the future.
While Maye faces an uphill battle as a rookie quarterback, Andrews noted the positive energy he brings to the field, citing Maye’s ability to remain calm and collected even after his early interception.
“He’s got to lead,” Andrews said, “That’s something he’ll learn, he’ll develop. It’s very rare guys come in in their rookie year and think they’re the captain of the team, but at the same time, it is important… I think when you have those guys in the younger class trying to be leaders amongst themselves, it’s great.”
With Andrews sidelined for the season due to a shoulder injury, Maye’s leadership will be crucial for the Patriots’ success moving forward. Despite the loss, the team remains optimistic about Maye’s future, seeing Sunday’s game as a positive first step in what could be a long and successful career in Foxborough.
First Piper 