Maye's Day Is Here, Latest On Peppers Case: Patch Pats Roundup

FOXBOROUGH, MA — When C.J. Stroud takes the field at Gillette Stadium on Sunday afternoon, he'll fill Patriots fans with the hopes of what could be.

Last year's rookie of the year has quickly elevated into a quarterback in the top-five discussion and presents a blueprint for what fans hope the Pats can achieve with Drake Maye.

Maye, the rookie quarterback, will make his first career start on Sunday. He'll anchor a sputtering offensive with major questions up and down the offensive line, but the team hopes he'll provide a much-needed spark in spite of the situation.

The team ranks 31st in scoring offense and last in average passing yards per game during the last four weeks, likely signaling to decision-makers that a change was needed.

Head Coach Jerod Mayo said he and the organization believed that Brissett gave the team the best chance to win up to this point, but the move to Maye this week does the same thing.

"Drake gives us the best chance to win now and going forward," Mayo said during a Wednesday news conference.

Related: Drake Maye Era Set To Begin For New England On Sunday

Mayo was slightly annoyed with how the news of Maye's start broke, with NFL insiders sharing the move earlier this week. That news breaking likely happened before Mayo was able to address the team.

"Any type of decision that’s a big decision, you want to let the team know first. But in saying that, look, these guys, they read everything. It’s fine," said Mayo, according to Sean T. McGuire of NESN.

It's been a somewhat expected rocky start for the rookie head coach so far in 2024, but things will start trending up quickly should Maye show early signs of promise. That new period of year one starts Sunday.

Peppers To Exempt List

Patriots safety and team captain Jabrill Peppers was added to the NFL's Commissioner Exempt List this week after he was hit with multiple charges following an altercation with his girlfriend.

Peppers is charged with assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, possession of a substance believed to be cocaine and strangulation. He was in court Monday and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

New details emerged from both sides of the situation during the court appearance, including at least a piece of both sides of the story.

• Read more: Jabrill Peppers Added To NFL Exempt List Following Assault Charges

How To Catch The Game

• Kickoff: 1 p.m.
• Network: CBS
• Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub