All signs point to the Patriots playing it safe with Drake Maye, but one NFL analyst doesn’t believe that should be the approach in New England.

After opening eyes in the Patriots’ second preseason game, Maye took more steps forward in his team’s final exhibition contest of the summer. The No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft completed 13 of 20 pass attempts for 126 yards with a touchdown while adding 17 yards on the ground in New England’s 20-10 road loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday.

Patriots fans strongly advocated for Maye while he put together his impressive performance in the nation’s capital. As did ESPN’s Louis Riddick, who gave a recommendation to Jerod Mayo and company in the clearest of terms.

“Start. Drake. Maye,” Riddick posted to X on Sunday night.

Riddick also explained his take when he replied to a fan who wondered why New England should “rush” to start Maye when it’s projected to have a lousy 2024 season.

“Because the offense responds when he is at the controls and gives the team a better chance to win. That’s why,” Riddick wrote.

Again, everything we heard from Patriots decision-makers in the preseason indicated Jacoby Brissett will be under center Week 1. There’s also an inherent risk to playing Maye this season when you consider how bad New England’s offensive line projects to be.

But there’s no denying Maye’s talent, and as Riddick pointed out, the offense appears to have an extra jolt when the rookie is calling the shots. At some point, Mayo and company might not be able to resist handing the keys over to the 21-year-old.