Drake Maye makes his debut in the Patriots’ preseason win over Carolina. The Giants are also successful against the Lions

The preseason in the NFL is in full swing. On Friday night, four teams got the chance to measure themselves against an opponent.

The New England Patriots experienced a special moment. For the first time in 24 years, they played a game in Foxborough without Bill Belichick as head coach – and did so successfully. The Pats beat the Carolina Panthers 17:3.

Quarterback Drake Maye, the third pick in the last NFL Draft, made his debut. He completed two of three passes for 19 yards. “I think I was a little nervous,” he said after the game. “I think if you’re not nervous, then it doesn’t mean anything to you.”

When Maye was not sent back onto the pitch after a brief appearance – and Bailey Zappe took over instead – countless boos could be heard from the stands.

New head coach Jerod Mayo had already made a lot of changes at the quarterback position, bringing in Jacoby Brissett and the second rookie Joe Milton III alongside Maye and Zappe.

It was Milton who made the difference with a 38-yard touchdown pass to JaQuae Jackson. Kevin Harris also ran into the end zone for two yards.

The Panthers, meanwhile, didn’t manage much apart from a field goal. Quarterback Bryce Young and his injured backup Andy Dalton were not on the field either.

Giants celebrate victory against the Lions

Meanwhile, the New York Giants beat the Detroit Lions 14:3 in the second game. Following the departure of running back Saquon Barkley to the Philadelphia Eagles, Eric Gray impressed in the same position and ran for both touchdowns – one of them even for 48 yards.

Playmaker Drew Lock, meanwhile, did not have a pleasant evening for Big Blue. He had to leave the field injured in the first quarter after a hit and was replaced by Tommy DeVito.

Meanwhile, the starters were spared by both teams