Maye Day, Maye Day, Houston, you’ve got a problem! Or have they? The questions are there, for sure. But for now, the Patriots Nation won’t be bugging about them as Jerod Mayo finally heard their wishes of promoting Drake Maye to the starting QB ahead of the Texans clash. And it’s got the Pats’ O-line excited as well!
Talking about how Maye is shaping up ahead of the Week 6 clash, OT Vederian Lowe said, “Drake has a ton of athleticism. Outside of his arm, he has a ton of athleticism. He’s able to make big plays with his mobility.” Now, this has given Lowe and the others some confidence. And why not? The guy under center knows how to escape the sacks and extend the play through his receivers. And that’s
#Patriots LT Vederian Lowe on what he’s seen from Drake Maye:
“Drake has a ton of athleticism. Outside of his arm, he has a ton of athleticism. He’s able to… make big plays with his mobility.
And as an offensive lineman, that’s really great to know that you have a guy who can… pic.twitter.com/GqYtedn8Xn
And that’s exactly what the Patriots need right now. Especially with their rough 1-4 start and four straight losses. Can you blame Mayo for wanting to shake things up? But with Jacoby Brissett taking hits like he’s in a boxing ring—49 sacks in just five games—it was about time the change happened.
Now, you’d ask, but why throw Maye to the wolves? It’s a fair question, considering the Texans aren’t exactly messing about. I mean, they’ve racked up the ninth-most sacks this season (15), and they pressure quarterbacks like it’s their job—oh wait, it is! Plus, only four teams have a better sack rate at 8.6 percent, and they’re third in pass yards allowed per game at 154.0.
So, if we go by that, then Yardbarker’s Colum Dell makes a valid point. He suggested that New England should’ve let Maye ease in against a weaker opponent before throwing him into this defensive storm. But here’s where it gets interesting. Sure, starting Maye could shake his confidence. That’s one side of the perspective. The other side? These early reps might actually boost his growth as he’s got the right mindset and is mature for a rookie. At least, Lowe believes in him.
So, whether it ends up being a spectacular debut or a rough outing, the truth is, this is just the beginning for Maye.
Drake Maye’s going to learn from failures
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You might remember that Big Gronk (Rob Gronkowski) urged the Patriots Nation to remain patient. “I’m telling you, it will be the same old story with Drake Maye… He’ll be getting sacked. The offensive line will be letting guys go through, putting pressure on him.” And yet, Mayo had to name the third-overall pick as the starter. We say had to because, let’s be honest, the pressure was mounting.
But is this a rushed decision? Well, for starters, we know it wasn’t supposed to be on the cards this early. Nevertheless, we are here. And it’s just a loop if we keep going about could haves and should haves. It’s not that bad of a decision. Let us explain.
Maye brings strength to the table. By now, you must have heard it from everyone! That’s the truth. But boy, oh boy, the kid’s got arm strength. And his game? That’s the most Josh Allen-esque, if you have seen one. But, of course, there’s always a catch. It’s not all rainbows. Maye himself admitted, “I think, early on, just try to take what they give me and find completions.” In other words, stay on script before getting too wild out there.
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Look, we know Maye’s going to have his hiccups this Sunday, and it might not be a highlight reel performance. But who can blame a rookie trying to find his footing? It’s about taking those hits and learning from them.
The Patriots are hopeful that this experience is a step forward—not just for Maye, but for the whole team. And the Foxborough needs something to celebrate.
PEQUOT LAKES — Dan Mudgett and the Pequot Lakes Patriots could have overlooked their Week Two opponent.
With a big Section 7-3A game against Two Harbors looming, Pequot could have gone through the motions Friday, Sept. 6.
That’s not what happened.
Pequot took its opening drive 72 yards on six plays and concluded with a 6-yard John Paul Elsenpeter touchdown run. It never relented and beat down the Pine City Dragons 60-0.
“We didn’t want to play down and we didn’t have the greatest week,” Pequot Lakes head coach Bill Magnuson said. “We really challenged them in pregame about not having any regrets and don’t ever look back and always give your best and that’s what a lot of them did tonight.”
The Patriots scored on almost every offensive possession and two of Pine City’s.
1/47: Pequot Lakes’ John Paul Elsenpeter scoops up a fumble before running it for a touchdown against Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
2/47: Pequot Lakes’ John Paul Elsenpeter runs a fumble back for a touchdown against Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
3/47: Pequot Lakes’ John Paul Elsenpeter scoops up a fumble before running it for a touchdown against Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
4/47: Pequot Lakes’ Landen Brill intercepts the ball against Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
5/47: Pequot Lakes’ John Paul Elsenpeter, left, and Aaron Clark celebrate a touchdown by Clark against Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
6/47: Pequot Lakes’ Tade Magnuson runs the ball against Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
7/47: Pequot Lakes’ Micah Loukota intercepts the ball against Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
8/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
9/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
10/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
11/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
12/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
13/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
14/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
15/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
16/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
17/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
18/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
19/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
20/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
21/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
22/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
23/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
24/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
25/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
26/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
27/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
28/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
29/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
30/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
31/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
32/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
33/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
34/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
35/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
36/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
37/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
38/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
39/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
40/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
41/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
42/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
43/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
44/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
45/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
46/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
47/47: Pequot Lakes Football vs Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
Elsenpeter corralled a Pine City fumble on their first possession and scored from 20 yards out.
Landen Brill, who recovered a fumble minutes earlier, intercepted a pass and returned it 7 yards for a TD.
Pequot Lakes’ Landen Brill intercepts the ball against Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes.
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
On the next play, Micah Loukota picked off a Pine City pass. On the next play, Mike Oseland found Aaron Clark for a 47-yard touchdown pass.
“It’s just fantastic,” Mudgett said about seeing the ball go in the end zone. “When you see a touchdown happen. It’s the best feeling in the world. The confidence level is high for the rest of the game. We were so high when we saw them going in, especially early like that.”
Pequot’s Connor Welle then recovered a fumble and three plays later Oseland hit Clark again for a 13-yard score.
Pequot Lakes’ Micah Loukota intercepts the ball against Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes.
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
“It’s great to create turnovers, and your defense scores twice, but then you also get short fields and you execute,” Magnuson said. “You could see we focused on the pass game early. We wanted to get that going because it was a little raw last week. I thought he did a nice job. That was the focus to get that pass game going.”
Oseland finished 8-of-9 passing for 138 yards and the two scores in just one half of play. Clark hauled in four passes for 93 yards and Bryar Nordby caught four passes for 47 yards.
“It was very important to get the passing going,” Mudgett said. “Michael, first time starting a varsity game last week, he’s got it down now. We put good protection up for him. Now it’s just going to be up from here.”
Kamrin Hulke added a 7-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and Tade Magnuson scored from 10 yards out for a Pequot 47-0 halftime lead.
The Patriots’ defense, aside from its five turnovers, held Pine City to -11 yards of offense in the first half.
Pequot Lakes’ Tade Magnuson runs the ball against Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes.
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
“When you put up stats like that the confidence for the entire week is high,” Mudget said. “Going into that next game we’re going to be up.”
The second half was a junior varsity battle. Because of running time and offensive efficiency, the Patriots ran just 10 offensive plays on two possessions. They scored on both. In the third quarter, Jobey Tvedt broke numerous tackles to score from 8 yards. In the fourth quarter, Griffen Hannah broke off the left side and sprinted 72 yards for the final score. Hannah finished with 100 yards on just five carries.
“We could have been balanced, but we wanted to focus on that pass game,” Magnuson said. “We ran the ball really well last week. We kept focusing on passing, but then we had to settle in and run the run game late.”
Pequot Lakes’ John Paul Elsenpeter runs a fumble back for a touchdown against Pine City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Pequot Lakes.
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
Pequot finished with 377 yards of offense on just 33 plays and held Pine City to 59 total yards on 44 plays.
“It was important because we got a hard win last Thursday,” Mudgett said about not having a let-down performance. “It was a good win. We got a lot of reps in and we got the film. We put a lot of new stuff in for this game and so now we just know what to fix. It’s going to be a good game next week.”
Pequot Lakes 33 14 7 6 — 60
PL-John Paul Elsenpeter 6 run (Jerome Martin kick) 9:12
