Depending on your purview, the New England Patriots are in prime position heading into their season finale, as they're in pole position for the 2025 国产外流网Draft鈥檚 No. 1 overall pick.
For rookie head coach Jerod Mayo, however, the focus is on finishing the 2024 campaign on a positive note when the Pats play the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
Thusly, rookie first-round quarterback Drake Maye will start if healthy on Sunday along with the rest of his starters.
"Drake is our starting quarterback," Mayo said Wednesday, via team transcript. "If he's healthy and ready to go, as we go through this week of practice, then he'll play."
Maye, speaking after Mayo, said he's "preparing like I'm the starter."
In a Week 17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Maye was evaluated for a concussion but returned to the game. However he was listed as limited in the team's practice report due to a right hand injury. 国产外流网Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Maye suffered a finger injury against the Chargers.
"I feel great," Maye said. "I woke up feeling good, thank the good Lord. It's another day to get out here, and I'm looking forward to getting out there Sunday."
In a dreary season for the Patriots, Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 draft, has been a major bright spot.
Despite Maye's burgeoning potential and play, New England is 3-13 and a loss to the Bills would secure the Patriots the No. 1 overall selection. However, an upset win against Buffalo could drop New England out of the top four.
Mayo's unconcerned with draft positioning it would seem.
"I've never been a part of a team, as a player or as a coach, going into a game not wanting to win," Mayo said. "It's not going to change today, so that's my message to the team."
Furthermore, Mayo expressed that as disenchanting as the season's been, he believes it is the first step in rebuilding the franchise.
"I think it's important to remember where you are in the journey, and no one's happy with our record or anything like that," he said. "Understanding where you are in the journey is definitely important."
Maye and Co. will hit the field Sunday with a fourth win and the No. 1 pick in the balance.
