Mayo noted that due to roster cuts and player acquisitions, there was no time to brief the players before Wednesday’s media session.
The coach said he consulted with offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and the rest of the staff had their opinion on the Week 1 starter, but the final decision was his.
“Look, they’ve been through the process, too. They’ve been through the spring with these players, they’ve been through training camp with these players,” Mayo said. “I’m sure they all have an opinion on who should be the starting quarterback, but I don’t think I need to explain that to anybody. It’s my decision, and if it doesn’t work out, then it’s my fault.”
Brissett had the clear edge in the battle for the spot entering training camp in Week 1, but Maye put the pressure on the veteran by showing a strong arm, lightning-quick pocket movement and improved play despite less-than-ideal conditions. Maye’s development on the field and increasing leadership presence made the decision closer than it seemed at the start of the preseason, and Mayo admitted this week that the rookie has been “playing better” in games.
A big question for Mayo is whether he wants to throw a rookie into the deep end of a troubled, struggling offensive line.
Will Brissett open the season on September 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals and Maye make his debut later, or will the coach choose the face of the franchise from the start in his first year?
“I would say one thing: I think it’s important to remember that what’s good for the team today may not be good for the team in a few weeks,” Mayo said Wednesday. “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. That’s been a challenge for me.”
