Patriots training camp observations: Drake Maye shines early; Matthew Judon dons pads -- but not for long

Several takeaways from Day 11 of Patriots training camp

By Shanna McCarriston Aug 6, 2024 at 4:44 pm ET• 3 min read

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- It was a rainy day at Gillette Stadium as the New England Patriots continued to get ready for the first actual NFL game in their new era. Head coach Jerod Mayo will make his debut as a head coach while quarterback Jacoby Brissett will get the start Thursday against the Carolina Panthers.

Mayo said rookie Drake Maye will play as well, but didn't give any additional details. Mayo said the plan right now is to have all four quarterbacks -- Brissett, Maye, Bailey Zappe and Joe Milton III -- play against Carolina. 

Speaking ahead of practice, Mayo addressed the rumors surrounding the Patriots and San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Mayo wouldn't comment on the topic, and said his focus right now is on the players currently on the roster.

Here are the news and notes from Day 11 of Patriots training camp:

Drake Maye starts strong, ends with struggles

The Patriots rookie was starting to show why he was the No. 3 overall pick, with one of the best starts to practice so far. He had some impressive passes, causing the crowd to chant "Start Drake Maye!" He looked more natural and comfortable out there than he has in past practices and looked solid ... until he didn't. During a two-minute drill, Maye looked rough, with missed passes and an interception.