The New England Patriots set the gold standard for productive football over the past two decades.

A large part of that is thanks to Tom Brady, the best quarterback and arguably the best player, to ever walk this earth. Brady won seven Super Bowls during his time as New England’s quarterback, including three in four seasons (2001, 2002, 2004), plus he holds 10 all-time NFL records.

Since briefly retiring – then signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020 – New England has tried everything to find its next quarterback of the future.

The Patriots took a chance on 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton, but he was a shell of his all-star self. They drafted Mac Jones out of Alabama, who – despite a strong rookie year – was not the answer. Bailey Zappe is still on the roster, but he hasn’t proven to be the answer either.

New England went back to the NFL Draft this year, taking 2022 ACC Player and Rookie of the Year Drake Maye, out of North Carolina. Maye’s college numbers are impressive – 8,018 passing yards, 63 passing touchdowns to just 16 interceptions, 1,209 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns – but professional football is significantly tougher.

As you can imagine, though, Patriots fans are crazed about Maye’s arrival in New England. Just look at how many fans lined up for Patriots Training Camp on the morning of Sunday, July 28:

Maye will be competing for the starting job with proven NFL veteran Jacoby Brissett, who – despite having a losing record as a starter – sports a solid, 51-23 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Brissett was a Washington Commander last year, then started several games for the Cleveland Browns two seasons ago.

New England wants Maye starting at some point. Just when exactly will Maye first see the field?

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Story originally appeared on Tarheels Wire