The New England Patriots’ final preseason game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday night had an unexpected twist. Starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett suffered an injury, opening the door for rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who had an impressive preseason and impressed in the team’s 20-10 loss to Washington.
Brissett was hit hard early in the game but played a few more games before being taken out of the game and listed as questionable with a shoulder injury. Although the team and head coach Jerod Mayo downplayed the severity of the injury, Brissette will be evaluated today. Could rookie first-round draft pick Drake Maye start in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals?
“He’s our second-best quarterback on our roster right now,” Mayo said after the game. “We’re going to play with the best players.”
If Brissette is unable to play in Week 1, it could mean a start for highly anticipated rookie Drake Maye.
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Drake Maye pushed Brissette during the preseason
While Brissett’s injury is not considered serious, it gave Maye a chance to see how he handles himself under pressure – albeit during a preseason game. Despite playing behind an inconsistent and error-prone offensive line, Maye showed why he was selected No. 3 in the draft. The rookie showcased his strong arm, impressive athleticism and experienced presence in the pocket. These qualities have only increased the excitement surrounding Mayo’s decision on who will start in Week 1 against the Bengals.
There has been a lot of talk about whether the Patriots will rely on Brissett’s experience or take a chance on the talented rookie. Maye seems confident he will step up. He says he feels ready to start in Week 1 and do whatever it takes to help the team win against the Bengals.
His performance in Sunday’s loss to the Commanders, in which he completed 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown, made a strong case for playing time early this season. The ragtag offensive line gave Maye a headache all night, but he persevered and showed a maturity that was sure to catch Mayo’s eye.
Of course, Maye wasn’t perfect. There were some rough moments, like missed throws and fumbled snaps, but Maye’s potential was evident, especially on a long pass to KJ Osborn that was disallowed due to a penalty. His ability to throw on the run and his bravery in the pocket were impressive and suggested he could shine even with an unstable offensive line.
Now the question is whether Mayo thinks it’s better for Maye’s development to get some game experience right away or to watch from the sidelines first. Originally, Brissett was slated to start so Maye could learn and adjust gradually, but Maye’s impressive progress during the preseason has undoubtedly led to a bigger battle for the quarterback position than most expected.
As the season opener approaches, Patriots fans are anxiously awaiting Mayo’s decision. Will he stick with the experienced Brissett or give exciting rookie Drake Maye a chance? This decision could greatly impact the Patriots’ season and significantly affect their quarterback situation going forward.
