November 18, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick takes the field before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Photo Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The New England Patriots chose not to give Drake Maye much playing time in their first preseason game last week, and some wonder if Bill Belichick would have handled the situation differently.
Belichick discussed a wide range of topics during his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Monday, including how much starters should play during the preseason. The legendary coach talked about the importance of protecting players, but also said some quarterbacks (including Tom Brady) feel they need the live preseason replays to get up to speed.
Belichick also made some interesting comments about rookie quarterbacks playing in preseason games.
“As far as the rookies go, I think they should play and get a feel for the game and the speed of the pass rush. Especially some of the rookie quarterbacks this year, some of them are a little below average,” Belichick said. “The size and girth of the defensive linemen and all that. That’s good for them to experience it in a live game situation, not just in practice.”
You can hear Belichick’s detailed thoughts on the subject:
“Tom Brady always wanted to play in the preseason and he always wanted to get more work.
If a player really wants to play, I think he will find a way to do it.
I think the rookie QBs should play a little bit to get a feel for the game” ~ Bill Belichick #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/dWyA1PTgtT
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) 12 August 2024
Belichick didn’t talk specifically about Maye or the Patriots. Still, it was notable that he emphasized the importance of rookie quarterbacks gaining experience in the preseason, especially given that fans were upset about Maye’s limited playing time in New England’s first preseason game.
If Maye is indeed competing with Jacoby Brissett for a starting spot, it makes sense for the Patriots to be more cautious with the No. 3 overall pick. Otherwise, more reps could be beneficial for the rookie, as Belichick has suggested.
