Marc Bertrand: When Drake Maye should debut based on the Patriots Schedule
On Thursday’s edition of Zolak & Bertrand, Marc “Beetle” Bertrand predicts when Drake Maye should debut based on the Patriots schedule.
Get through Halloween…
Marc Bertrand: The next two at the Jets and at San Francisco in back to back weeks.
Scott Zolak: Ouch, ouch.
Marc Bertrand: Loss, loss. I don’t give them a shot. Neither one of those. In week five, they are onto the Dolphins at home.
Scott Zolak: Tough one, but you got them at home.
Marc Bertrand: And the following week is the Texans at home. 2-game homestand.
Tim McKone: All right, you know what? That Texans one, I’m saying that’s going to be Drake May’s first start. You always have one game that you’re in… the Bills last year. I think that’s a winnable game for them. Texans at home.
Marc Bertrand: Well, I think you’re bringing up something interesting with the first five games being Bengals, Seahawks, Jets, 49ers, and Dolphins. What do we reasonably expect their record to be after five games? Maybe 1 and 4? Maybe. They could be 0-5. Yes.
Scott Zolak: I think that’s where we’re at.
Marc Bertrand: And if they are… where’s the landing spot for Drake Maye? Because you look at the stretch after those five games to start the year. There’s a home game against the Texans. You predict that will be Drake May’s first start. After that, there on to London. Then they have the Jets. Do either of those make sense as spots to start Drake Maye for the first time?
Scott Zolak: I think it’s hard to pick any game to say, hey, this is we’re going to start Drake Maye. I think it’s Drake May on his own clock.
Marc Bertrand: You’re going to have him start his first game in the NFL on the road in London with everything that comes with that?
Scott Zolak: I think you start him before it.
Marc Bertrand: That’s why I’m making this case for him to start against the Texans, as McKone brought up, he’s predicting that’ll be the spot because I don’t think it’s the the Jags and I don’t think it’s taking on the Jets and some of those big boys up front that will get after you real quick.
Scott Zolak: Jets have a bad ass front seven. Yeah they do.
Marc Bertrand: I think five games minimum is what Brissett gets. So I’m going to go with either the Texans game or the Titans game on the road at the start of November, which is a month later. If I had it my way that’s where I would make the landing spot. November 3rd because I prefer to get through Halloween. Get through Halloween and then you can start him.
Listen to the full segment!
The Patriots 2024 schedule is here
Preseason
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 22: New England Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo looks on before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Week 1: vs. Carolina Panthers (August 8, 7:00)
Week 2: vs. Philadelphia Eagles (August 15, 7:00)
Week 3: at Washington Commanders (August 25, 8:00)In addition to their regular season schedule the Patriots also announced their preseason schedule. ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported over the weekend that the team was working on scheduling a joint practice with the Eagles leading up to that game.
Week 1 at Cincinnati Bengals (Sept 8, 1:00)
CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 12: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals against the Houston Texans at Paycor Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The Patriots will open on the road for the second time in three years, after getting to open at home five years in a row. It’s been four years since the Patriots won their Week 1 game, with their last 1-0 start coming in 2020.
With Joe Burrow missing most of the season last year, the Bengals finished in last place in the AFC North – landing them on the Patriots’ schedule. They should be more competitive this year with Burrow returning, but with the AFC North as competitive as it is overall this game could have wild card implications. When these teams last met in 2022, the Patriots went toe-to-toe with the upstart Bengals but a late-game fumble was a key difference in a 22-18 loss at Gillette Stadium.
Week 2 vs. Seattle Seahawks (Sept. 15, 1:00)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 02: Devon Witherspoon #21 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates his interception return for a touchdown with Riq Woolen #27 during the third quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 02, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
In a matchup of two teams who just parted ways with legendary head coaches, the Patriots host the Seahawks this year. Both teams hired defensive coaches. Former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike McDonald got the job in Seattle, so this game could be one of the more challenging ones schematically for whoever is at quarterback for the Patriots.
This will be Seattle’s first trip to Gillette Stadium since 2016, and just the third meeting between the teams since Super Bowl XLIX – which is also the Patriots’ last win over the Seahawks.
Week 3 at New York Jets (Thursday Sept. 19, 8:15)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 06: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Patriots never got to face the new-look New York Jets last year before Aaron Rodgers got hurt. This year they have an early-season matchup so the Patriots should get a relatively healthy Jets team in their first of two matchups.
In last year’s season finale the Jets snapped a 15-game head-to-head losing streak against the Patriots. This will be the Patriots’ chance to start a new streak, this time at MetLife in what will be the Jets’ home opener.
Week 4 at San Francisco 49ers (Sept. 29, 4:05)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 01: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a pass reception during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
To close out the first month of the season the Patriots face one of the toughest teams – and one of the toughest defenses – in the NFL. They’ll visit the defending NFC Champions, who ranked third in the NFL last year allowing just 17.5 points per game.
If the Patriots were hoping to use the ‘mini-bye’ after the Thursday Night game to turn things over to Drake Maye at quarterback, this is a tough spot. It’s a longer week of preparation, but against an elite defense on the road on the other side of the country.
Week 5 vs. Miami Dolphins (Oct. 6, 1:00)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 03: Tua Tagovailoa #1 and head coach Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins speak on the field during the second quarter of the game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on December 03, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Coming into this game the Patriots have lost six of their last seven matchups with the Dolphins – including a sweep last year. Can the Patriots turn things around this year?
This will be a good measuring stick for the Patriots somewhat early in the season. While Miami has posted competitive records the last two years under head coach Mike McDaniel, they’re just 5-10 against teams .500 or better. Can the Patriots give them a game?
Week 6 vs. Houston Texans (Oct. 13, 1:00)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 20: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans warms up prior to the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
After Houston’s playoff run last year with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, the talk of this offseason was the QB-needy teams using the Texans as a ‘blueprint’ for their rebuilds. That included the Patriots, who will get a chance to measure up with the Texans themselves this season in Foxborough.
Will the Patriots be ready to contend with the Texans? Or will we see a clear gap still remaining?
Week 7 ‘at’ Jacksonville Jaguars (Oct. 20, 9:30 a.m.)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 17: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars signals a play against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images)
The Patriots head across the pond to take on the Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London at the midpoint of the season. They will technically be the road team for this game.
Over the offseason the Patriots traded 2021 first-round pick quarterback Mac Jones to the Jaguars for a sixth-round pick. He’s expected to back up Trevor Lawrence, but could he end up seeing the field in this one?
Week 8 vs. New York Jets (Oct. 27, 1:00)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 24: Garrett Wilson #17 of the New York Jets runs with the ball during the first half against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium on December 24, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Traditionally, teams coming off of international games get a bye week the next week. Not the Patriots though – they’ll be back at home the next Sunday to face the Jets for the second of two matchups.
Week 9 at Tennessee Titans (Nov. 3, 1:00)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 01: DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Tennessee Titans reacts against the Cincinnati Bengals at Nissan Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
The Patriots head back on the road in Week 9 for a matchup with the Titans. Tennessee is one of the more relative ‘unknowns’ on the Patriots’ schedule. Will Will Levis have things under control at quarterback? Or will the team already be looking ahead to the offseason and potentially a high draft pick?
Week 10 at Chicago Bears (Nov. 10, 1:00)
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – MAY 10: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears throws a pass during Chicago Bears Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall on May 10, 2024 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
2024 NFL Draft top overall pick Caleb Williams has already been named the Bears’ starting quarterback. Will Drake Maye be starting on the other side by this point?
Last time the Patriots and Bears met was a Monday Night game in 2022. That was the game infamously split between Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe at quarterback.
Week 11 vs. Los Angeles Rams (Nov. 17, 1:00)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 14: Puka Nacua #17 of the Los Angeles Rams runs the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs at Ford Field on January 14, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Patriots return home to take on the Rams, who saw a bit of a resurgence in 2023. Will quarterback Matthew Stafford be healthy for this game? The Rams signed former Patriot Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason to be his backup.
Week 12 at Miami Dolphins (Nov. 24, 1:00)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 03: Wide receiver Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins catches and runs for a touchdown pass in front of cornerback Kendall Fuller #29 of the Washington Commanders in the second half at FedExField on December 03, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The dreaded late-season trip to South Beach returns for the 2024 season, after the Patriots traveled to Miami for Weeks 1 and 8 the last two years. This year, they head to Hard Rock Stadium in late November.
Week 13 vs. Indianapolis Colts (Dec. 1, 1:00)
Nov 5, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) reacts in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
It’s hard to say any one single loss was “consequential” in a 4-13 season, but the Patriots’ loss to the Colts in Germany last year certainly seemed to carry some extra weight. They’ll get a chance to avenge that loss this year, this time at home.
2023 fourth-overall pick Anthony Richardson showed promise last year before a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 4. That was well before the Patriots and Colts met last year, so this should be their first look at him.
Week 14 BYE
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 10: A view outside of Gillette Stadium between the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots on September 10, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
This is the least-helpful bye week the Patriots could have gotten, coming the latest the league gives teams the week off. The bye week is generally viewed as the best week to make a quarterback change, for whatever reasons a team may need to do so. In this case though, if Drake Maye isn’t ready by Week 14 things are likely to the point where he’ll need to sit the full season.
Last time the Patriots had a first-round rookie quarterback in 2021 they also had a Week 14 bye. Of course, they ended up making the quarterback ‘switch’ out of training camp.
Week 15 at Arizona Cardinals (Dec. 15, 4:05)
May 10, 2024; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during rookie minicamp at the teams Tempe Training Facility. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Late in the season the Patriots head out west to take on the Arizona Cardinals. Coming off of a bye week and with a long trip ahead, this could be a game they leave early for.
The Cardinals have been somewhat of a regular opponent for the Patriots in recent years. This will be their third meeting since 2020. The Patriots won each of the last two, including a 27-13 win at State Farm Stadium in 2022. This time though they’ll have to deal with third overall pick Marvin Harrison Jr.
Week 16 at Buffalo Bills (Dec. 22, 1:00)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 17: Head coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills looks on during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at Highmark Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
The Patriots return from Arizona to get ready to play a Bills team that underwent significant roster overhaul this offseason. Josh Allen returns, but most of his top pass catchers are gone. Key players from the Bills’ secondary in recent years also found new teams this past offseason.
Last year the Patriots did manage to split the season series with the Bills, winning the game in Foxborough. Can they do something similar this year?
Week 17 vs. Los Angeles Charger (TBD)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 03: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers throws during the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
Throughout most of the pre-draft process, one of the most popular player comps for Drake Maye was Justin Herbert. In Week 17, the Patriots will face Herbert himself. The question is, will they have their own version in the lineup by this point?
When it comes to Herbert, the Patriots have been very successful against him historically – especially in Foxborough. They’re 2-1 in head to head games, with Herbert completing 52.8 percent of his passes for 214.7 yards per game with two touchdowns and four interceptions in those three games. Last year in bad weather they held the Chargers to just 241 total yards, and this is another late-season game. Will they have similar success without Bill Belichick in the building working on the game plan?
This game’s exact date will be decided by the league late in the season, with the option to flex it to Saturday or Monday. That’s a possibility if both teams are in Wild Card contention.
Week 18 vs. Buffalo Bills (TBD)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 21: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills in action against the Kansas City Chiefs during their AFC Divisional Playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 21, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
For the second time in three years, the Patriots close out their season against the Buffalo Bills. This game also has flex potential.
