Jerod Mayo knows who will start at quarterback for the New England Patriots in Week 1. But he’s not ready to tell us yet.
The Patriots head coach confirmed Wednesday that he has “made a decision” on whether Jacoby Brissett or Drake Maye will start at quarterback, but he plans to tell his players at a team meeting on Thursday before making the decision public.
“I will hold a team meeting tomorrow and then let you know the decision,” Mayo said during his press conference on Wednesday.
That’s a disappointing answer for those seeking clarity on a tight QB competition that saw Maye pressure Brissett with his strong play in training camp and the preseason. But if you’re willing to read between the lines, Mayo’s quote below could provide a clue as to who starts in Week 1.
“I think it’s important to remember that what’s good for the team today may not be good for the team a few weeks from now,” Mayo said. “I think the challenge is you want to win every single game now, but we’re also trying to build something special here in New England.”
It sounds like Brissett will be the team’s starter in Week 1. Here’s why:
When the Patriots selected Maye with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, they knew he was a long-term project who had a lot of potential but still needed to be developed. De facto general manager Eliot Wolf stressed that New England would be a “draft and develop” team, while Mayo insisted earlier in training camp that Brissett was the best quarterback and the rookie needed to learn behind the veteran.
When Mayo says the Patriots are “trying to build something special,” it seems to be a reference to Maye’s long-term potential, which the team could jeopardize by starting the rookie QB right behind a leaky offensive line. So while fans are clamoring for Maye to be in the starting lineup after his strong season finale against the Washington Commanders, Mayo seems to suggest it’s still in the team’s best interest to start a seasoned veteran like Brissett rather than rushing the rookie into the game.
We’ll find out for sure later this week whether Brissett or Maye gets the job, but no matter who he chooses, Mayo takes full responsibility.
“I don’t think I need to explain it to anyone,” Mayo said. “It’s my decision, and if it doesn’t work, it’s my fault.”
The Patriots open their regular season on September 8th at 1:00 p.m. ET away against the Cincinnati Bengals.
