However Drake Maye plays on Sunday, it won't necessarily be what's coming

Player C completed 28 of 44 pass attempts (63.6 percent) for 242 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. He was sacked five times in a 25-9 loss.

Player B would be considered the best, right? He didn't turn the ball over and, at the time, recorded the highest completion percentage among rookie quarterbacks making their first NFL start with at least 25 pass attempts.

Player B was Mac Jones from New England. Player A was Buffalo's Josh Allen. Player C was Houston's CJ Stroud.

As Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye prepares for his first NFL start, it's important to remember that what happens Sunday isn't necessarily representative of what's to come. Jones ended his rookie season on a downward trend, ultimately losing his starting spot (and confidence) amid crumbling infrastructure.

So, regardless of his stats, what can we expect from Maye against the Texans?

The Patriots hope his arm strength and athleticism will open up more opportunities for him on offense. Maye, who has compared his game to Allen's, has impressive mobility as well as the ability to make plays off schedule and off the platform. One of his strengths is that he can be creative on the go.

However, Maye recognized the fine line between effective freelancing and unnecessary out-of-pocket procrastination. He emphasized the importance of playing on time and in rhythm.

“I think in the beginning you should just try to take what I'm given and find completions,” Maye said. “I think that’s the biggest thing there is for a young quarterback to come in there. Then just don't try to chase throws off-platform, off-game, or off-schedule. I think just try it out and play football.”

Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said navigating that balance should be intuitive for a player of Maye's skill set and background. As a redshirt freshman at North Carolina in 2022, Maye rushed 184 times for 698 yards (3.8 yards per attempt) and seven touchdowns. In 2023, he ran 112 times for 449 yards (4 yards per attempt) and nine touchdowns.

According to Van Pelt, Maye showed such instincts during the offense and defense phases during training camp, taking advantage of openings to convert third downs by scrambling.

“Knowing that he can maybe slip through in a crease and use his legs, I think that's second nature for these guys,” Van Pelt said. “Obviously the punctuality and rhythm is a big part of what we need to accomplish based on (the Texans') ability to rush the passer. But there will be opportunities for him to use his legs and hopefully gain yards and protect himself there at the end of that run as well.”

The Patriots are beginning to establish continuity across the offensive line as the unit will start a repeat combination – Vederian Lowe at left tackle, Michael Jordan at left guard, Nick Leverett at center, Mike Onwenu at right guard and Demontrey Jacobs at right tackle – to first times this season. However, unless the group can consistently outrun protection, Maye may find herself in trouble often.

The Texans, with defensive ends Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, recorded the most pressure in the league, while the Patriots had to give up the most pressure. Maye is familiar with similar circumstances, having been under constant pressure during his two seasons as a starter at North Carolina.

Van Pelt expressed confidence that Maye could handle the blitz attack better.

“As a quarterback, especially a young quarterback, you have to know how to protect yourself,” Van Pelt said. “Where the problems are, how the protections are designed and where the gaps are in those protections, and I think he's made a lot of progress there. “We had a blitz yesterday to start training against our defense. Six pieces. He was six out of six in decision making and understanding the issues.”

Van Pelt also acknowledged that he can protect Maye with his playmaking ability.

“There will definitely be ways we can make sure we manage situations where there is a lot of pressure,” he said. “I don't want to go into schematics, but there are a lot of different ways to help through play calling, whether it's running the ball more, playing fast, screens and everything that goes with it. But I’m trying to find ways to prevent this onslaught.”

Maye will still make mistakes on Sunday. Coaches and players know this. His stats may not be pretty. New England will most likely lose. But the Patriots are confident his debut will be a step in the right direction for Maye's development, the team's record and the future of the franchise.

Nicole Yang can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her @nicolecyang.