The New England Patriots are off to a slow start this season, sitting at 1-4 on the year after. They have lost four straight games after beating the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1.

Under starter Jacoby Brissett, the Patriots' offense is struggling and while it's not all his fault, they really need a boost. That boost could come with rookie Drake Maye.

The former North Carolina standout could be in line for his first start of the season this week against Houston. ESPN NFL reporter Mike Reiss hinted at a possible change on social media Monday morning, saying: Opinion/analysis: Notable shift in Jerod Mayo's answers regarding QB situation in his day-after-game video conference compared to past weeks. Mayo said last week the way the team won its only game was "unsustainable" and he seems to strongly be considering switch to Drake Maye.

Check out Reiss' tweet below from his report following another Patriots' loss:

Maye has appeared in one game so far this year, taking snaps in a blowout loss to the New York Jets in primetime a few weeks ago. The quarterback completed 4 of 8 passes for 22 yards and had some rushes as well.

The quarterback was selected No. 3 overall in the 2024 NFL draft as the team is looking for their next franchise quarterback. And against Houston on Sunday in Week 6, they might get that early look at the future with Maye.

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire : NFL analyst hints at when Drake Maye could make first start