The New England Patriots' final game of the season against the Buffalo Bills holds significant weight. Their draft position and the future of rookie quarterback Drake Maye are both at stake. A loss could secure the No. 1 overall pick, but a win could see them drop to No. 5. Coach Mayo's decision regarding Maye's playing time, considering a recent head injury, adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup.
Sunday will bring the final game of the season for the New England Patriots , and it will be a consequential matchup. Taking on the Buffalo Bills , who have already secured the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoff bracket, the Pats could exit Week 18 with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft with a loss. If they win, they could drop as low as No. 5 depending on what happens with their contemporaries around the league.
Arguably the most talent-barren roster in the NFL, the Patriots need as high a draft pick as possible if they're to quickly build a decent supporting cast around exciting young quarterback Drake Maye. Between that reality and the fact that New England has little to gain from trotting the rookie signal-caller out for another game of punishment behind the worst offensive line in the league, it's fair to wonder if the higher-ups may consider benching him for the finale. On Monday, that idea gained more traction when Mayo was asked directly if he would consider not playing Maye due to injury risk. Instead of insisting his starting QB would be out there, Mayo didn't commit and just said everything's on the table. 'I would say, right now, everything is in consideration,' Mayo said during his weekly press conference. 'And we'll see how the week goes.'after taking a huge hit to the head while trying to scramble for a first down. Mayo said Maye is not currently in concussion protocol but the near-miss could serve as a sign of caution for the organization that the future of the franchise will absolutely put his body on the line under any circumstances and may need a guiding hand to ensure he finishes up his rookie year healthy. Ultimately there's a lot at stake on Sunday. Not just the draft pick, but how well the Patriots play and how that reflects on the rookie head coach Mayo as he finishes up a very tough first season. How that push-pull unfolds will be one of the many interesting narratives to keep an eye on as Week 18 approache
NFL New England Patriots Buffalo Bills Drake Maye Draft Pick Injury Rookie Season
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New England Patriots Legend Changing Tune on Drake MayeA New England Patriots legend is changing his tune about rookie quarterback Drake Maye.
Read more »
Travis Hunter Gives Honest Assessment About Playing With Patriots, Drake MayeCould New England be Hunter's professional destination?
Read more »
New England Patriots Plan for Drake Maye Backup RevealedThe New England Patriots' future plan at the quarterback position has been revealed.
Read more »
Patriots' Jerod Mayo Backtracks After Strange Response to Question About Drake Maye'It was more of a defensive response.'
Read more »
Drake Maye Backs Coach Jerod Mayo Amidst Patriots StrugglesNew England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye defends coach Jerod Mayo despite the team's 3-11 record and mounting pressure.
Read more »
Maye Remains Confident in Mayo Despite Patriots' StrugglesThere is uncertainty surrounding Bill O'Brien's future as Patriots head coach, with conflicting reports on his job security. Despite a 3-11 record in his first year, Maye expresses confidence in O'Brien's plan and the team's support. While ownership's dissatisfaction with the team's performance is acknowledged, it is believed that O'Brien may be given another season to prove himself.
Read more »