It was interesting to hear New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo describe rookie Drake Maye as the second-best quarterback on the roster at this point. Training camp has concluded, and as the Patriots prepare for their Week 1 regular-season opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals, Maye and veteran Jacoby Brissett continue to battle for the starting job.
Brissett suffered a throwing shoulder injury in the final preseason game Sunday night in Washington, but Mayo said afterward the quarterback could have continued playing if needed. If the injury prevents Brissett from playing, Mayo said he is ready to play.
Regardless of whether Brissett is injured or not, Maye should be the starter when the Patriots open the 2024 season on Sept. 8 in Cincinnati.
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Maye, the team’s top draft pick this year and potentially the future of this franchise, needs to be the guy to count on from the start. Forget the X’s and O’s for a moment. He’s shown he can handle the task at this level and doesn’t seem overwhelmed. His body language suggests his confidence is now where it should be. Overall, Maye seems to have made good progress during training camp and he’s showing signs of becoming the best quarterback in the NFL.
“It’s been a fantastic training camp,” he told reporters after Sunday’s game. “Not only to see our defense, but to go against other defenses, to go out there and play and feel like we’re getting hit. We’re coming along. It’s been fun being out there with some of the rookies… It’s been tough, too. Our rookie seasons have been long. We’ve been at it since before the draft. I’m just excited to see what an NFL season is like.”
When asked if he would be ready to start if given the opportunity, he said he would be ready.
“I’m ready for whatever this football team asks of me, and I’m ready to go out there and try to help us beat the Bengals in Week 1,” he said.
It’s also impressive how he deflects questions about his personal performance and answers more about the team’s. During training camp, he has consistently referred to “us” instead of “me.” He isn’t afraid to talk about his struggles and always mentions the team when asked about his successes. Yes, he still has a lot to learn on and off the field, but that will come with experience.
The team may want to protect Maye until it can address the deficiencies of its offensive line that were evident during the preseason, but Mayo said that was not a factor.
“I’m not worried,” he said. “I’m worried about every position. (Vice President of Player Personnel) Eliot (Wolf) and I and the rest of the staff, our job is always to look for better players. We’re going to be very active on the waiver list. There’s going to be some good football players out there. We’re going to try to make this team better.”
The biggest part of Maye’s progression as an NFL quarterback is mastering and controlling the mental aspect of the game. He understands how to not focus on a good or bad play, but just focus on what’s in front of him.
“It’s a next play league. In the NFL, it’s a next week league, that’s what I’m learning,” he said. “Other than that, just enjoy it. Have fun. It’s sad, but the reality is some of these guys, especially the rookies, are going to be gone next week, so just enjoy these days with these guys. You’ve made great memories and enjoy the time out here with the guys.”
It’s smart to let Maye fight for the starting spot and it didn’t take him long to realize that nothing is being given to him. He’s proven he’s more than capable of taking over the starting spot so it’s time to give him the chance. He’s handled the pressure well both on and off the field. He’s worked his way out of difficult situations on the field and it’s obvious he’s prepared.
“He showed a lot of composure,” Mayo told reporters after Sunday’s game. “He went out there … He made plays. He had control of the offense. He did a good job for us.”
The coach also admitted that Maye has made great progress since the start of training camp, which is a good sign.
“It’s been great,” Mayo said. “Just his overall consistency and ability to come to work every day and get better. It’s been great to see.”
It will be even better to see Maye as the No. 1 quarterback when the season starts next week. He deserves it. And so do the fans.
