Pats, Bears See Young QBs Square Off Sunday: Patch Pats Roundup
FOXBOROUGH, MA — Patriots fans have probably never been more excited about rookie quarterback Drake Maye than they are this week.
Maye has showed truly unique flashes in his few starts so far, but none brighter than his end-of-regulation touchdown pass to Rhamondre Stevenson against the Tennessee Titans last week.
The Pats ended up losing that game — not the end of the world for a team likely trying to secure top draft assets — but probably gained momentum and confidence in their young quarterback.
Now, in a Week 10 matchup against the Chicago Bears, Pats fans will get a chance to see the number one pick in Caleb Williams face their number three pick Maye on Sunday.
The Patriots never actually had the chance to draft Williams, but it'll still be a unique matchup of teams who set a new course for the future of their franchise in the past draft.
Aside from the quarterback duel, here's what to know heading into Week 10:
Draft Talk Time?
Is it too early to talk about the draft? For football media, the answer is no.
If the draft were to happen today the Patriots would own the first overall selection, meaning they'd have their pick of receivers or offensive tackles to add to a young and — hopefully — improving core.
NBC Sports Boston recently compiled a list of early mock draft results for the Patriots with wide receiver topping the list of needs for the Pats.
That does include Colorado superstar Travis Hunter, who plays both cornerback and receiver for the Buffalos, as the top choice in a number of mocks.
Will Hunter continue to play both sides in the NFL? Who knows, but if he does it could be an interesting selection for the Patriots, who've historically valued defensive talent as a franchise premium for years.
Another option at receiver is Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan, a more traditional wide receiver who provides both size and speed at the position.
Offensive Line Shuffling
Mike Onwenu has been a jack of all trades along the offensive line for the Patriots both this year and in the past. Week 10 could see him shuffling again with a potential shift to left guard.
Onwenu, the team's best offensive lineman, said he hasn't been happy with his performance this year , but the team's confidence in him remains. A move to left guard would allow the Pats to continue testing combinations and different players, with the ultimate goal of finding longterm building blocks to support Maye.
How To Catch The Game
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
Network: Fox
