By R.L. Bynum
Is it finally time for the New England Patriots to start rookie Drake Maye at quarterback?
After the Patriots’ 15–10 home setback against Miami, their fourth consecutive loss, first-year head coach Jerod Mayo changed how he discusses his quarterback situation.
Every previous Monday, Mayo’s comments backed former N.C. State quarterback Jacoby Brissett continuing as his starter. According to the Boston Herald, that changed this time, with Mayo calling out “mis-execution on multiple levels” during a radio appearance on WEEI on Monday.
“It just wasn’t good enough,” Mayo told reporters Monday, according to the Herald, after Brissett completed 18 of 34 passes for 160 yards and a 65.8 passer rating. “I thought we played well enough defensively and on special teams to win the football game. Look, as the quarterback — and he understands this — he touches the ball on every single play, and we didn’t win the game or score enough points to win the game. I think he would echo that same sentiment that it wasn’t good enough.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s tweet Monday morning also suggested a shift:
New England will host the Houston Texans at 1 p.m. Sunday
Some still say that, given how bad the Patriots’ offensive line is, it would be better for Maye not to play that much this season. But plenty of commentators say it’s time to go to Maye.
Maye has only played in one game this season. The third overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft was 4 for 8 for 22 yards with two carries for 12 yards in mop-up duty at the end of the 24–3 road loss in Week 3 to the New York Jets.
In three preseason games, Maye completed 21 of 34 passes for 192 yards and one touchdown.
Although Mayo said that Maye outperformed Brissett in training camp, he has started the veteran Brissett, saying that he gave New England the best chance to win.
“That’s a conversation, not only at that spot but all the spots, of how do we get better as a football team,” Mayo said on WEEI Monday, according to the Herald. “We’re not playing well. It’s not a secret. Being the head coach of this team, I have to accept all of the responsibility for that.”
While Maye has been sitting, three other rookie quarterbacks have looked good, particularly Washington’s Jayden Daniels. The Commanders lead the NFC East with four wins, Denver’s Bo Nix has led the Broncos to three wins, and Chicago’s Caleb Williams has started three victories.
Mayo hasn’t announced his starter for the Houston game.
Photo via @Patriots
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