Mayo declined to say the freshman would start if Brissett couldn’t.
“I would like to sit here and say 100 percent. He is our second best quarterback on our roster right now,” the coach said.
Brissett entered training camp with a clear lead heading into Week 1, and it was likely that Maye would eventually take over. However, the rookie has been on a roll in recent weeks. The coaching staff has laughed at his improved leadership, and his play has improved with each appearance.
On Sunday night, Maye completed 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown. There were some impressive throws, especially under pressure, but that didn’t affect his accuracy. The rookie’s massive arm allows him to reach every area of the field, his athleticism adds another element, and the fearlessness in the pocket would be necessary behind a questionable offensive line. There were also negative moments, including botched snaps and some throws that missed the mark.
Maye’s most impressive throw of the night didn’t even count. He left the pocket after feeling pressure from his right and rolled to his left. The freshman, moving forward, threw a deep throw to a completely free KJ Osborn, who scampered into the end zone. The play was nullified due to an illegal lineup penalty, but it showed Maye’s tremendous potential.
If Brissett is not, in fact, injured enough to miss Week 1, Mayo’s decision will depend on whether he and the club believe Maye will develop best on the field or early in the season learning on the sidelines.
Mayo told reporters Monday morning that several factors will be considered in deciding who is QB1.
“It starts in practice and also in the game, where Drake played better,” Mayo said, according to ESPN.com. “Everyone wants to know who’s going to be the starter. There are several factors that have to be considered in making that decision. One of them is the overall body of work, whether we’re talking about the spring or the entire training camp. And I would also say that we often forget the overall experience that a guy like Jacoby has, which will also play a role in the decision that we have to make in the near future.”
“I’m happy with the way these guys are fighting. Hopefully we can name a starter in the next few days and get the season rolling.”
Entering training camp, it was thought that the 21-year-old might need time to learn behind Brissett before being thrown in at the deep end – especially given the questionable talent of the other players. However, Maye clearly put pressure on the spot in Week 1. His improvement each week of preseason could be an indication that he learns best by getting through rough patches. The question is whether Mayo agrees or sticks with the original schedule.
