Brissett will start his third straight preseason game, but it’s clear that Maye continues to take on more responsibility as part of the offense. The rookie got more playing time Friday behind a reasonable replica of the starting offensive line, including reps with the veteran center David Andrewsand attempted more passes than Brissett in 11-on-11 drills.
Before practice, Mayo praised Maye’s mental strength and said the third-round pick from North Carolina has shown progress in dealing with adversity over the course of training camp.
“If you remember when he used to throw interceptions and be so down,” Mayo said, “I would say now that we’re coming out of camp, he’s gotten a lot better at pulling the nose of the plane up when it looks like it’s going to crash. I think that’s an important trait.”
“For me, mental toughness and competitiveness are the two most important things. Those are two qualities I really look for in quarterbacks.”
The rookie played one series and six snaps in the season opener against Carolina, but his numbers increased last week against Philadelphia, when he played 24 snaps (four series) and completed 6 of 11 for 47 yards and a rushing touchdown. In two preseason games, he was 8 of 14 for 66 yards.
As for Brissett, he’s coming off a rocky start against the Eagles, where he threw a red zone pick. In 15 snaps against Philadelphia, he was 3 of 7 for 17 yards and an interception. In two preseason games, he was 3 of 10 for 17 yards and an interception.
“He’s the ultimate ‘next play’ guy,” Mayo said of Brissett’s attitude. “And you need that attitude whether you’re a pitcher or a quarterback. Let’s just keep going and not get too high or too low.”
Mayo said earlier this week that he expects to make a final decision early next week on who will start in the season opener on Sept. 8 at Cincinnati.
Stay tuned
The Patriots had minimal changes in the offensive line, with (from left to right) Chukwuma Okorafor, Sidy SowAndrews, Layden RobinsonAnd Mike Onwenu. Nick Leverett As a replacement for Andrews, his workload has been increased, which could mean more work for him against Washington.
Sow has been one of the few constants on the line this summer, working consistently at guard and continuing to build chemistry with Andrews. He resents the idea of being “locked in” as one of the starting guards – he likes the competition of being challenged every day – but he will welcome the chance to work consistently with Andrews.
“Being by David’s side every day and trying to stay there is awesome,” said Sow, who is entering his second season. “Because I have a guy who’s been in the league for 10 years and won two Super Bowls. He has so much experience and I get to learn from that every day. It’s just awesome.”
Over the course of 20 practices this summer, Sow was always one of the first on the field. He said that helps him develop the right mindset.
“That’s something I try to do every day – have a routine,” he said. “Because that helps you get into a certain frame of mind. Doing the same thing every day. That reputation will help you get into a certain frame of mind.”
The full effect
Leverett caught a touchdown pass while working on goal line drills as a fullback and threw it with a thunderous spike. “Nick is a natural, man,” said tight end Austin Hooper said of the 6’3″ and 300 lb player. “It’s fun when you see a big player score a touchdown. Nothing gets the guys fired up like a big player scores a touchdown. It’s really a nice thing.” . . . Tight End Hunter Henryoffensive tackles Vederian Lowe And Calvin AndersonSecurity Marte MapuDefender Armon WattsLinebackers Joshua UcheDefender Mikey Victorand defensive players Christian Barmore were not there. In addition, defensive players Deacon Wise Jr. And Oshane Ximines and Tight End Mitchell Wilcox were limited. Wide Receiver Kendrick Bourneoffensive lineman Cole Strangeand linebackers Sione Takitaki remain on the list of physically unable persons.
Get a receipt
Rookie receiver Ja’Lynn Polk was asked about his attitude when he sees a ball in the air. “It’s money in the air,” he said. “It’s free money. Either you get it or your pockets are empty.” . . . One day after the recipient DeMario Douglas pointed out safety Jabrill peppers Peppers, one of the team’s biggest talkers, responded, “I mean, it depends. If the guys start talking to me, that’s fine, they’ll listen to me all day. But I don’t usually say too much unless they start talking to me. I just finish it.”
Christopher Price can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @cpriceglobe.
