The New England Patriots have made the decision to keep Drake Maye as their starting quarterback for their season finale on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, stunning many NFL fans.
Maye has been one of the few bright spots for the Patriots this season, with the team entering the game with a 3-13 record, a tie for the NFL’s worst.
New England’s three wins heading into Sunday comes with an even bigger long-term effect, as it is currently in line to select first in April’s NFL Draft.
A loss against the Bills locks the Patriots into the top pick, which could be the Travis Hunter sweepstakes, as the Patriots are the only team with three wins not looking for a new quarterback.
The Browns, Giants, and Titans are all in need of a new signal caller and may be fighting for Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, and Jalen Milroe.
Jeopardizing getting the Heisman Trophy winner and the generational two-way talent has confused many NFL fans and others on social media.
The Patriots have made the decision to keep Maye as their starting quarterback for Week 18
Maye starting puts at risk the Patriots current status in holding the No 1 pick in the NFL Draft
‘Are the Patriots the dumbest organization currently in sports?’ longtime sports broadcaster John Buccigross said.
‘The Patriots went from arguably the best coaches in the league for the last 20 plus years to now the absolute worst.’
‘The @Patriots want to keep Mayo because the team just isn’t talented enough to win, but they are also willing to jeopardize getting the #1 pick which would bring the best possible talent to the team… makes complete sense.’
‘Thankfully the Jets still exist! But we’re a very close second!’
A collection of social-media messages about the Patriots decision to start Maye this week
The Patriots are at risk of dropping several draft positions if they win on Sunday and everything outside of Gillette Stadium.
The Bills are locked into the No 2 seed no matter Sunday’s result, leading some to believe Buffalo will sit many of its best players in Foxborough, including MVP favorite Josh Allen.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo and his staff may be coaching for their jobs on Sunday, leading them to give Week 18 their best shot, with next year’s draft position not a current problem.
