Time to give Maye to break?
Normally, my pre-game article would be focused on previewing the match-up and what Patriots fans can look for going into this game.
However, given that the Buffalo Bills’ playoff seeding is set, and the Pats are long out of the playoff picture, it seems futile to look at match-ups and schematics when neither team will be playing their usual line-ups.
Instead, I am going to focus on whether or not the Patriots should play Drake Maye in this game.
Why bench Maye?
I am not saying do not play him at all. In fact, I would be okay with him starting, but only playing a drive or two.
As much as I have enjoyed watching Drake Maye play in his rookie year, I would prefer to see very little of him this weekend.
I just do not see what is to be gained by giving the rookie quarterback a significant amount of snaps in this game.
We are not going to learn much more about Maye than we already have in his previous 11 starts, particularly against what will likely be Buffalo’s back-ups.
Worst case scenario
The most important argument in favour of resting Maye is that it is a lose-lose scenario to play him against Buffalo’s back-ups.
If the Pats elect to play Drake, the quarterback who gives us the best chance to win, we run the risk of him getting hurt.
Next year – when the Patriots have hopefully retooled and have surrounded the talented signal-caller with more talent – is a vital year to Maye’s development.
If he were to pick up a significant injury and is forced to miss some time next season, that would be the worst case scenario.
I think the aim of this game should be to see which fringe players have a shot to be on the 2025 Patriots roster, that does not include Maye.
Do we want to win?
I am never cheering for my team to lose, but this week might be the closest that I come.
As I mentioned earlier, playing Maye gives us a chance to win. However, Pats nation may be asking themselves the question, “Do we want to win this game?”
I would argue that there are certainly benefits to not chalking up our fourth win of the season.
I do, however, say that through gritted teeth, given that I predicted a 4-13 record on the Patriots Touchback podcast in the pre-season. As much as I would love to nail that prediction, I think securing the number one overall pick would be more useful to the franchise.
What to do?
To risk losing commodity as valuable as the number one pick for a meaningless Week 18 victory against the Bills’ second stringers is not a bright idea, in my opinion.
Especially when you consider the lack of chance we have to learn anything about Maye, and the risk of injury to our future star.
