The New England Patriots are just waiting to catch a break on offense, and it has to start with Drake Maye playing better. Over the first three weeks of the season, Maye has not looked like the quarterback who was runner-up for MVP last year, and in fact, he's looked like a shell of himself so far.
While everyone may be out on him, including the football fantasy owners who drafted him, Colin Cowherd still has hope in him.
“Remember, he's a young, ascending, developing quarterback. Suddenly, his top 2 receivers, Kayshon Boutte and Stefan Diggs, bail on him,” Cowherd said. “Well, let's bring in A.J. Brown. He lasted 31 snaps. Now the number one receiver is Mack Hollins, 33, who's never had 700 yards or 50 catches in a season. He does several things well, but separation is not one of them. ”
Do you think losing your top two receivers, getting another one that's immediately hurt, and having a guy that's more of a three- or four-receiver, be your No. 1, would change things? New England's one of only three teams in the league that doesn't have a touchdown from a wide receiver this year.”
Article Continues Below"Everybody is Boston is selling Drake Maye stock. I'm not and here's why…"@colincowherd explains why he's not giving up on the young Patriots QB just yet pic.twitter.com/N43AslLCvl
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) October 1, 2026
These are definitely some things to take into account when judging Maye's play to start the season, and there is optimism that things can get better. When Brown returns, there should be more consistency on offense, but he still may be out for another month. That means he has to trust in other receivers, like Hollins or Romeo Doubs, who the Patriots paid top dollar for during free agency.
If fantasy owners are looking more into the future, Maye could be a buy-low candidate for someone who believes he can turn things around midseason.