Patriots fans instigate rookie QB to get into a fight over Jerod Mayo's preseason rule: "Drake Maye, throw punches"

New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye played just one drive in the first preseason matchup against the Carolina Panthers. The Patriots are preparing for their next preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The teams are holding joint practices ahead of this week's game and Patriots' head coach Jerod Mayo issued a warning to his team.

According to ESPN's NFL Nation reporter Mike Reiss, Mayo warned of the consequences of fighting during joint practices. Mayo reportedly told his starters that they will play the entirety of the game if they fight. He then warned the backup players they wouldn't play at all if they started a fight.

"Jerod Mayo’s message to players on fights in joint practice: If you are a starter and you fight, you are playing the entire preseason game. If you are a backup and you fight, you aren’t playing in the preseason game at all."-ESPN's Mike Reiss.

Fans on X shared their thoughts on Jerod Mayo's warning to his team. Some hysterically encouraged rookie quarterback Drake Maye to start a fight in order to get playing time.

Fans begged and pleaded for Drake Maye to be involved in an altercation so that he can see the field more. The rookie quarterback, who was drafted by the New England Patriots with the third overall pick, has struggled during training camp thus far.

More playing time would be beneficial for him moving forward, hence the reason the fans are encouraging him to start a fight.

"I want to see Drake Maye doing his best Tyson impression all practice."-one fan proclaimed.

"Hopefully Maye fights."-said another.

"Now this is a solid threat. Drake Maye please start a fight so you can play more than a drive."-one fan advised the quarterback.

Fans also had some opinions about the first-year head coach's policy on joint practice fights. One fan thought that a scuffle would bring the intensity that one would want from their young players. Other fans questioned why a player who fought would get playing time and not be excluded instead.

"Is it just me or are some joint practice scuffles good? You don’t want actual fighting but you want to see some intensity."-asked another fan.

"This sounds really stupid. How about if you fight, you don't play at all? Starter or substitute."-thought another fan.

"This seems incredibly dumb. Mayo is going to risk a starter's health with this as***** policy. Why not toss them from practice...as they would be if they fought in a game."-questioned one user on X.

NFL insider asks fans not to panic over Drake Maye's concerns

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has struggled to find consistency so far in training camp. Fans are already concerned that the third overall pick may not live up to the expectations and may not be the franchise player everyone had hoped for.

Yahoo's Senior NFL reporter Charles Robinson asked fans not to panic in a post on X earlier this week. Robinson doesn't think there is any indication that he will continue to struggle when the season starts.

"1.Relax with the Drake Maye anxiety. Take a walk and show some patience. Nothing so far in practice or the opener tells you what he’s going to be."

He also went on to say that once a wide receiver steps up as the No. 1 guy, Maye's job will be a bit easier.

Whether this is too optimistic or realistic will be discovered when the season finally gets underway. As of now, Drake Maye will remain in focus.