New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III was nominated for the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week award for Week 18.

Mostly, Milton showed how much he had progressed and developed from training camp and the preseason. His footwork, accuracy and quarterback play in general had improved. Like Maye, he developed well under offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and QB coach T.C. McCartney.

So Maye went to the sideline. Rookie seventh round pick Joe Milton emerged in his place — a decision that let the Patriots better understand what the young, rocket-armed quarterback was capable of while enhancing the team’s chance of locking in the top overall pick.