Jerod Mayo, the new head coach of the New England Patriots, has done his best to create the impression that there is an ongoing competition between Jacoby Brissett and Drake Mayo for the quarterback position.
Most, if not all, signs point to Jacoby Brissett being the starting quarterback once the Patriots open their season in just over two weeks. Mayo even said Wednesday that Brissett is at the top of the quarterback list, but left open the possibility that Maye could replace the veteran playmaker.
It seems that Maye, at least publicly, is buying what Mayo is selling.
“I’m not 100% sure,” Maye told reporters when asked if he sees Brissett as a starter (according to a video provided by the team).
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Maye has certainly caught up in the preseason, but Brissett still has a big edge when it comes to experience and running an NFL offense, especially one led by offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. Maye knows it, too.
“I know Jacoby played great,” Maye said. “I think he has the ability to go out there and make a play anytime his name is called. He knows the offense. He was a great teacher to me as a young freshman, and I’m just excited to be able to learn from him and continue to learn from him throughout the season when things get serious.”
Unlike Brissett and the first-team offense, Maye impressed in New England’s season-ending loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Thursday. After playing just a few snaps in the season opener, Maye got more playing time against the Eagles, completing 6 of 11 passes for 47 yards and running for a touchdown.
Maye’s development led to him being used with the first team’s attack during Wednesday’s practice, but this was only a small amount as Brissett continued to spend most of his time with the starting lineup.
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Maye can make his final argument to take the starting job away from Brissett on Sunday in the final game of the season against the Washington Commanders. But Maye sounded like someone who understands the reality of the situation, which is that he will begin his rookie season on the bench.
“I think I’m just going to take my opportunities,” Maye said. “Jacoby’s done a great job. He’s a great player, a great teammate. He’s been playing with the rest of them the whole time. So I’m happy for him and just try to take advantage of the reps that I get and have a little fun while I’m at it.”
