The Patriots have been taken out of consideration as a destination for Brandon Aiyuk. Pats fans shouldn’t lose sleep over it. I totally understand that he would be their best receiver and probably surpass Rhamondre Stevenson as their best offensive player but Aiyuk alone isn’t going to vault them into Super Bowl contention.
Let’s be realistic here. This team is not destined for much success. That must have factored into Aiyuk’s decision not to join the team. That is OK. There should be a simple goal this year, see what you have in Drake Maye.
According to people there, Maye has been inconsistent in training camp. But, who gives a shit? It has been two weeks of practice, he has been with the second unit and, most importantly, he shouldn’t start the season as the QB1.
The offensive line seems like a mess right now. Just read any Patriots’ beat reporter. Players have been in and out of the lineup so far. It doesn’t sound like there is much cohesion within the unit right now. They signed Michael Onwenu to play tackle, he is currently playing guard. Antonio Mafi has been converted to a center for the time being, not going well. The defensive line is eating their lunch in padded practices. This is what you want to stick Maye behind to start the year?
No. Start him after Thanksgiving. At least after Halloween. Start him slow. You paid Stevenson to be your go-to guy, give him the ball. Let Maye learn the offense for a couple months then stick him in and let him grow.
Fandom is strange. People were chanting “start Drake Maye” at training camp the other day. If you watch football weekly, if you follow the Patriots and everything head coach Jerrod Mayo has said all off-season, Jacoby Brissett is starting the season and that is OK.
Photo by Gary A. Vasquez
The Never Weres 
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