New England quarterback Drake Maye passes the ball in Week 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Steve Luciano/Associated Press

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — A bright spot (perhaps the only bright spot) for the Patriots over the last two weeks has been the play and overall growth of rookie quarterback Drake Maye.

Maye has lost his first two career NFL starts, but he’s playing at a historic level. Only two quarterbacks since the AFL-NFL merger have passed for 500-plus yards and five-plus touchdowns in their first two career starts: Maye and Dan Marino.

Alex Van Pelt has received fair criticism for his offensive play-calling, but someone needs to be praised for Maye’s play, and it comes down to Van Pelt or quarterbacks coach T.C. McCartney.

Maye was encouraged by the Patriots’ ability to start fast against the Jaguars. They got off to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter before the wheels fell off.

“I think, you know, put two good drives together. My first start, I think it was a three-and-out, and then the second one was maybe another three-and-out,” Maye said. “So, started fast and felt more comfortable under center that first snap than the first time, and got the nerves out of me. So, I’m feeling more comfortable back there, more comfortable in the huddle, play calls and little things like that, little things that you don’t see on the field. Felt more comfortable in the huddle, felt like I was bringing some more energy to the start of the game.

“From there, I think protecting the football, that’s the big thing. Then, you turn the ball over and got some plays which I wish I had back, make better throws, even in the last game that it could maybe be a difference in the ball game. At the same time, I think we did some good things, just didn’t sustain it long enough and put drives together, especially in that second quarter.”

Maye turned the ball over three times in his first start against the Texans. He didn’t throw any interceptions or lose any fumbles but was charted for three turnover-worthy plays against the Jaguars, getting lucky that potential interceptions were dropped or broken up by offensive players.

WIDE RECEIVER K.J Osborn scored a touchdown last Sunday in a 32-16 loss to Jacksonville, then caused a minor stir with his celebration and post-game social media post.

Combined, they inspired questions about whether Osborn wanted to be traded. The 27-year-old answered that question Wednesday.

“This is where I am. This is the place I signed to be. A lot of things are out of my control, but I would like to be where my feet are,” Osborn told reporters. “So today I’m here, so now I’ll rock with it as it goes.”

Osborn did admit to some frustration related to playing for a team that has prioritized playing young players. He did not play a single snap in Week 6 versus Houston, then was supposedly told he would be inactive versus the Jaguars.

“It’s extremely difficult. It’s frustrating,” Osborn told reporters. “A lot of stuff is not in my control. No matter the performance or anything like that. The organization is going to do what’s best for them. And for us. So that’s something I can’t control. I can control what I can do: My attitude, my effort, coaching the young guys while they’re out there, helping them from my experience.”

Then, illness took down two of his fellow wideouts Sunday, and Osborn was thrust into the game late in the first half. He scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter, giving him seven catches for 57 yards this season.
After his touchdown Sunday, Osborn raised his right hand to his helmet with his thumb and pinky finger extended. The gesture suggested a phone call, which he confirmed Wednesday. Osborn said the celebration signifies “Call God,” a gesture originally inspired by ex-NFL receiver Antonio Brown and something Osborn said he’s done for years.

Later, Osborn shared an Instagram post from an agent, which revealed a text exchange the agent had with Osborn after the game. The agent’s text detailed, among other things, the Patriots’ supposed plans to make Osborn inactive before changing their minds at 11 p.m. Saturday. The agent then signed off with: “I’m with you while we figure out this situation and every other…”

Asked Wednesday if he wants to be in New England, Osborn said: “Of course.”

The Patriots signed Osborn to a one-year, $4 million contract this offseason. Over his three previous years in Minnesota, he averaged better than 52 catches and 615 yards per season.