Former NFL quarterback rips Patriots' 'poor decision' to start Maye

Former NFL quarterback rips Patriots' 'poor decision' to start. Maye originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The New England Patriots' decision to use rookie quarterback Drake Maye this Sunday against the Houston Texans has drawn mixed reactions.

Those in favor of the move believe there is no better time to make the move, as the team is 1-4 and struggling on offense. Others fear the coveted No. 3 overall pick could end up behind a patchwork offensive line that was the league's worst through the first five games of the season.

Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky falls into the latter category. Shortly after Maye's news broke, he criticized the Patriots' decision on ESPN NFL Live.

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“Absolutely not. This is a bad decision in New England,” Orlovsky said Tuesday. “First, their offensive line is the worst pass-blocking offensive line in the NFL. At the moment she is the worst. Jacoby Brissett, who was their starting quarterback, was pressured on 47 percent of his dropback passes. That's 47 percent, the highest number for a quarterback since 2006. You want to take a rookie quarterback and make him fight?

“On top of that, the receiver group is probably at the bottom of five or six when it comes to getting on offense. There are a few things I always say that young quarterbacks need to play well and survive. You have to be a really good scheme and play-caller. I like his scheme, there were moments where he proved to be a good play-caller, still unknown, really good players. Of the three that are missing, this is not the right choice.”

While Maye's first NFL start will give Foxboro some much-needed excitement, Orlovsky's argument has merit. With a porous offensive line and a glaring lack of playmakers around him, Maye is unprepared for success. And if the 22-year-old gets injured due to poor pass protection, it would be disastrous for this new Patriots regime.

Nonetheless, Maye will look to revitalize the Patriots' struggling offense in a tough Week 6 game against Houston. Kickoff for the highly anticipated showdown is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium.