With three preseason games completed, head coach Jerod Mayo and the Patriots coaching staff have selected their starting quarterback for Week 1. After a fierce competition between veteran Jacoby Brissett and third-overall pick Drake Maye, New England has chosen Brissett to lead the team against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, September 8th. Mayo has hinted that Maye could become the starting quarterback for the Patriots in the future, a possibility that remains open even as Brissett starts the preseason finale, with Maye taking over shortly after.
In response to the struggles of Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe last year, the Patriots took decisive action to address their quarterback situation during the offseason. They signed Jacoby Brissett to a one-year contract, recognizing his potential as a reliable short-term starter. Subsequently, they traded Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars and selected Drake Maye with the third overall pick.
Maye first gained attention during the 2022 college season, completing 66.2% of his passes for 4,321 yards, 38 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, making him one of the top quarterbacks. However, his performance dipped in 2023 with 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, partly due to a weak supporting cast and the fact that none of his offensive teammates were drafted in the top 100.
Despite the significant investment in Maye, Mayo initially indicated that Brissett would be the starter. However, after Maye’s strong preseason showing, Mayo’s stance shifted. Although Maye’s stats (6-11 for 47 yards and a rushing touchdown) weren’t extraordinary, he made several impressive throws that his teammates couldn’t quite catch.
Maye remains a key part of the Patriots’ long-term plans. The UNC product has shown promise and could benefit from a more supportive environment in the future. For now, Brissett serves as a placeholder until the team feels ready to start Maye. Although Brissett’s role is temporary, it’s a position familiar to those who’ve seen similar scenarios play out, like Mike Glennon and Andy Dalton in Chicago.
