Patriots
“I haven’t heard anything else. So I have to assume that.”
Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye are both still competing for the QB1 spot. John Tlumacki/Globe staff writer
Even before Drake Mayes’ encouraging performance in the Patriots’ final game of the season against the Commanders on Sunday, Jacoby Brissett stuck to his opinion about New England’s quarterback lineup.
“I still treat myself like I’m the starter,” Brissett said on Aug. 19.
And even though the preseason is now behind us, the 31-year-old veteran has not changed his mind about his place in New England’s pecking order as quarterback.
During his weekly appearance on WEEI on Tuesday, Brissett was asked if he believes he is still the Patriots’ starting quarterback at the start of Week 1.
“In my mind I am,” he replied.
When asked if his comments meant he would face the Bengals on Sept. 8, Brissett again reiterated the same message.
“Uh, like I said, in my eyes, I am,” Brissett said. “I haven’t heard anything different. So I have to assume that.”
Brissett’s comments are generally consistent with what Jerod Mayo and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said last week about Brissett’s status as the team’s starting quarterback.
Although Mayo admitted on Monday that Maye has “outperformed” Brissett in the preseason, he noted after Sunday’s preseason loss to Washington that the rookie QB is still the “second-best quarterback” on New England’s roster.
Those comments may contradict statistics from three preseason games, but Van Pelt noted last week that Brissett’s experience could be the deciding factor in who starts in Week 1.
“(Quarterback is) the toughest position in sports,” Van Pelt said. “Especially for a rookie who doesn’t face the defenses he sees in the NFL, it’s tough.”
The transition is difficult and takes a little time, so we’re going to be as patient as we can in that process. … “There are certain things in that offense, and Jacoby, having played in that offense himself, knows some of the tools you can use to get out of certain situations, pressure situations and things like that, that Drake is still learning.
“He’s been really impressive in practice and in games the last two weeks and he’s definitely moving in the right direction. But again, a rookie quarterback coming in and playing — Jacoby obviously has a ton of experience, not just in the NFL but in this system, and we won games with him in Cleveland, so I’m happy with his understanding (of the offense).”
Of course, there is one particular obstacle that could hinder Brissett in Week 1: his injured shoulder – the veteran’s participation was considered questionable in Sunday’s loss to the Commanders after he was sacked by Washington defensive end KJ Henry.
But Brissett told WEEI that he is not worried about the injury and the possibility of it lingering into the regular season.
“No, not at all. Like I said, it was a precautionary measure (to leave the game),” Brissett said. “I’m 100 percent fine. I’m fine.”
While the Patriots likely entered the preseason expecting Brissett to serve as a bridge starter while Maye languished on the sidelines, the rookie’s encouraging play – coupled with Brissett’s lackluster results – has resulted in the gap between the two playmakers narrowing.
Over the course of three preseason games, Brissett completed five of his 14 pass attempts over 36 yards, scored zero touchdowns and had one interception.
But while his basic stats may not match Maye’s (21 of 24, 192 passing yards, 32 rushing yards, two touchdowns), Brissett still believes he is well positioned to start the 2024 season.
“I wouldn’t say the preseason is a clear reflection of what happened in training camp and OTA workouts,” Brissett said. “I don’t play as much in the preseason as other guys. So the preseason, I guess, wasn’t a great average or whatever the case may be. But like I said, it wasn’t a reflection of practice and how I performed.”
“I’m happy with what I’ve captured in practice and things like that,” Brissett added. “Obviously, I’d like to see some preseason plays.
“But I think the main thing for me in the preseason was making sure the guys — having been in that offense before — were cleaning up the flow of the game, getting in and out of huddles, getting to the line of scrimmage and calling plays. … Seeing that me and (Van Pelt) have that connection from when I was in Cleveland and how the guys are going to hear that on Sundays in the future. I thought it went really well.”
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