Patriots
Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye each played only one series.
Drake Maye, Jacoby Brissett and Bailey Zappe have already entered the game for New England. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Patriots fans will see Drake Maye in action for the first time on Thursday, as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is expected to play in New England’s season opener against the Panthers at Gillette Stadium.
Kick-off in Foxborough is scheduled for 7 p.m.
After a 12-day training camp, Jerod Mayo and New England’s newly formed squad will look to prove their mettle against Carolina, with several of their regular players in action.
“Look, anyone who’s healthy enough to play will play,” Mayo said earlier this week. “We’ll have to see what these guys can do in live action.”
While Jacoby Brissett is currently in charge as New England’s QB1, Thursday should also provide an opportunity for Maye, Joe Milton and even Bailey Zappe to secure some playing time.
Add to that questions about New England’s O-Line and new additions to the Patriots’ receiver corps, and there are plenty of storylines worth following.
Boston.com’s Khari Thompson analyzes six things to watch for Thursday night.
Follow live updates from Thursday’s season opener here and check back after the game to read some initial observations.
LIVE UPDATES:
9:10: Joe Milton warms up on the sidelines.
9:08: Caedan Wallace was completely exhausted during this pass rush and Zappe was thrown to the turf.
9:00: It looks like Zappe will play again on New England’s second drive of the third quarter. One has to wonder if the Patriots are trying to trade Zappe when his appearances last season are probably more valuable.
8:53: A nice catch by Javon Baker in the fight through contact, but it is called back due to a hold on Calvin Anderson.
8:51: Zappe leads New England’s offense again at the start of the third quarter.
8:36: HALFTIME: The Patriots lead 7-0. The highlight of the evening so far has been Maye’s few appearances.
8:31: Kayshon Boutte had a good night. A 16-yard pickup for the second-year wide receiver gets the chains moving.
8:17: Bailey Zappe has returned to the game on offense. It looks like Maye’s night is over.
8:07: Kevin Harris runs in from 3 yards out. Ryland’s extra point is good. 7-0 Patriots.
8:06: The Patriots offense is in full swing! Kayshon Boutte catches a 28-yard pass after a throw from Zappe. Patriots at the 3-yard line.
8:02: Shaun Wade almost intercepts a late throw – the Panthers are punting again.
Looks like Zappe is back in the game.
7:58: More boos for Zappe after a deep ball on third down. Four punts in a row for New England.
7:50: Zappe is back for the second quarter. He is the first Patriots quarterback to play more than one series.
7:44: End of 1st: 0-0 game.
7:42: Six drives, six punts between the Patriots and Panthers.
7:38: Bailey Zappe enters the game and the crowd boos. Similar to Brissett, Maye only manages one drive before New England turns things around.
7:31: Jeremiah Pharms brings down Plummer for New England’s second sack of the game. Initially, the ball was ruled a fumble when New England regained possession, but after the subsequent review, the ball goes back to Carolina.
7:26: The Patriots finally punt, but Maye completes two of his three pass attempts for 19 yards.
7:24: After two consecutive handoffs, Maye Gibson hits a screen and scores a 13-yard pickup. First attempt.
7:22: Okorafor called a false start.
7:21: Maye is working with the top O-line.
7:20: Just one drive for Brissett, who takes the field with New England’s best offensive unit.
7:18: Another 3-and-out from the Patriots defense.
7:13: The Patriots have to punt the ball after this 11-yard pickup. A long throw from Brissett to Thornton did not have enough power.
7:11: Brissett takes off while Stevenson opens the drive with an 11-yard run.
7:09: The Patriots defense opens the game with a 3-and-out. Wise sacks Jack Plummer. Godchaux, Judon, Bentley, and Peppers are not on defense to start the game.
7:07: 19-yard kickoff return for the Panthers. Man, I have to get used to these new kickoff rule changes.
7:05: Carolina wins the coin toss and takes the opening kickoff.
6:59: Jacoby Brissett leads the Patriots onto the field. The QB1 is expected to start tonight.
6:50: It’s surprising to see Okorafor play tonight considering he’s missed the last few practices due to injury. The tackle position has been one to watch throughout the preseason.
6:48: It will be interesting to see if Judon plays tonight.
6:39: While the Patriots are expected to play with many of their regular players, the same cannot be said for the Panthers.
6:37: A look at some of the likely inactive players for New England.
6:27: It looks like neither Pop Douglas nor Marcus Jones are playing tonight. They’re standing on the sidelines in sweatsuits.
5:50: A lot of eyes will be on Drake Maye, but I can’t wait to see Milton a few times. That arm is special, even if he still has a lot of work to do at the NFL level.
5:45: Greetings from Foxborough! Good football weather, temperatures are expected to be just over 20 degrees at kickoff.
Subscribe to Newsletter
Stay up to date with all the latest news from Boston.com
