Patriots-Commanders players to watch: Can Maye really win QB job?

Patriots-Commanders players to watch: Can Maye really win QB job? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

FOXBORO — With the Patriots set to play their preseason finale on Sunday, let’s highlight some of the players worthy of your attention.

These are players whose roles or roster spots (or both) are in question, and whose fortunes could be impacted by how things play out in Washington D.C. against the Commanders.

Can the rookie No. 3 overall pick truly win the Week 1 starting job on Sunday? Probably not. But he might be able to help expedite his rise up the depth chart with another impressive exhibition performance.

How he handles pressure looks will be particularly noteworthy since, according to what offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt told reporters this week, that’s one area where Jacoby Brissett is clearly well ahead of the 21-year-old. But if Maye can close that gap to a degree — while continuing to flash the impressive physical traits that made him a top-of-the-first-round selection — then he’ll be on track to take over sooner rather than later.

It’s worth wondering if Polk is getting the Drake Maye treatment at receiver. The Patriots are clearly taking a be-patient-and-develop approach at quarterback. Might the same be true at wideout?

Polk has at times this summer looked like the team’s best and most dependable receiver. He finished camp as arguably their second-best player at the position behind DeMario Douglas. But he doesn’t have Tyquan Thornton’s speed. And he doesn’t have K.J. Osborn’s experience. Both players get first-team reps ahead of Polk consistently.

Can a big night from Polk on Sunday — or a less-than-impressive night from one of the vets ahead of him — eventually bump the rookie second-rounder into the starting lineup?

The Patriots could end up keeping four running backs. Kevin Harris has looked like the assumed No. 3 for much of the summer, and his between-the-tackles power would have real value in a run-first offense.

But Hasty has…

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Author : NBC Sports Boston

Publish date : 2024-08-23 21:04:38

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