New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye completed his first NFL pass in Thursday night’s preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers.
The pass was completed through the rain to running back Antonio Gibson, who signed with the team as a free agent in March. The play itself was a screen pass, and Gibson was able to weave his way for a first down.
Maye is looking to be the centerpiece for a Patriots offense that desperately needs a restart. The quarterback is a major piece of the offensive overhaul for the organization, and he took his first step with the completed pass.
.@DrakeMaye2 to Gibson to move the chains ⛓️
📺: @wbzsports pic.twitter.com/FvfkqDAJNi
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 8, 2024
There is still a long way to go in training camp and the preseason. However, this was undoubtedly a step in the right direction for Maye, who many view as the future franchise face in New England.