The New England Patriots have a new head coach on the sidelines for the first time in 23 years, and Jerod Mayo seems to have made his decision regarding QB1.
As a first-year head coach, Mayo faces a huge challenge in Foxborough, stepping into the shoes of the winningest coach in NFL history. With Bill Belichick and Tom Brady no longer at Gillette Stadium, Mayo must become the new Belichick while also finding the “next” Tom Brady.
Jacoby Brissett started all three preseason games.
Following a disappointing season, New England parted ways with Bill Belichick after nearly 25 years, securing the third overall pick in the NFL Draft. They selected Drake Maye from the University of North Carolina after unsuccessful seasons with Mac Jones.
The quarterback competition in Foxborough began even before training camp, with Maye among two or three QBs, including Jacoby Brissett and Bailey Zappe, vying for the starting role. Brissett, the experienced veteran, joined the team after playing the last few games for Washington.
Brissett started all three preseason games, playing just a series or two in each. Despite his underwhelming preseason stats, it appears Mayo has made up his mind. After the Patriots’ third preseason game against the Commanders, Mayo said, “100 percent he’s our second-best quarterback on the roster right now,” when asked if Maye would start if Brissett is unavailable for Week 1 against the Bengals.
Protecting their future QB
Brissett was shaken up after a sack during his first series against Washington, holding his shoulder and not returning for the rest of the game, although he was initially expected to play one or two more series.
Drake Maye stepped in and impressed again, going 13/20 for 126 yards and a touchdown in the final preseason game. Statistically, Maye has outperformed Brissett and logged more snaps than the supposed starter. Maye is emerging as a fan favorite in New England, but there may be some reluctance to start the rookie right away.
The reality is, this still isn’t a strong football team. They only won four games last season with many of the same players, so there’s a long road ahead. The offensive line is shaky at best, and expecting a rookie quarterback to elevate the team is a big ask. They tried that approach with Mac Jones a few years ago, and it didn’t work out. The Patriots are being cautious with their potential future franchise quarterback, which is why he won’t be starting in Week 1.
