In a bold move that caught the attention of football fans everywhere, New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo raised some eyebrows when he commented on the quarterback situation before the start of the season. Speaking on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show, Mayo made a surprising statement, saying that rookie quarterback Drake Maye had actually “outplayed” Jacoby Brissett. This unexpected revelation left many wondering how the Patriots would ultimately decide on their starting QB for the upcoming games.
However, as the team geared up to face the Bengals, Mayo took to the same program to clarify his earlier remarks. “I should have given more context to the comment at the time,” Mayo admitted, highlighting the fact that Maye had seen more playing time in the preseason compared to Brissett. It was a deliberate strategy, intended to help Maye gain valuable experience before potentially taking on a more significant role in the team.
During the preseason, Maye showcased his skills by completing 21-of-34 passes for 192 yards and even securing a touchdown. On the other hand, Brissett had a more limited number of passing attempts, managing to complete just five of them while also throwing an interception. Despite the stark contrast in their performances, Mayo emphasized that Maye’s development would be a gradual process within the Patriots organization.
As the third overall pick, Maye is expected to see playing time at some point in the season. However, Mayo made it clear that they would not rush the young quarterback into action. Instead, Maye will continue to hone his skills behind the scenes, ensuring he is well-prepared when his opportunity arises.
“We talk about getting those mental reps, both in games and practices,” Mayo explained. “He’ll know every play, make his checks on the sideline, and continue to develop through practice.” Maye will have the chance to work with both the first-team offense and the scout team, gaining valuable experience in different scenarios.
Despite the growing anticipation for Maye to potentially take over as the starting quarterback, Mayo refrained from setting a specific timeline for the transition. He acknowledged that Brissett’s performance on the field would play a significant role in determining when the switch might occur. “If he’s not giving us the best chance to win games, no matter the position, then we have to look at different options,” Mayo asserted. He viewed the competition between Maye and Brissett as a positive, driving force that would push both players to perform at their best.
As the Patriots head into the season with uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position, one thing is certain: the competition between Maye and Brissett will keep fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the moment when the next franchise quarterback emerges.
