The New England Patriots were one of the last teams in the NFL to nominate a starting quarterback for Week 1 of the 2024 season. Now Jerod Mayo has made a decision. Jacoby Brissett will play quarterback in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
This decision is puzzling for the Patriots, as 2024 first-round pick Drake Maye simply looked better in the preseason. If the Patriots were serious about trying to be competitive this season, the talented Maye would arguably give them the best chance.
While it may be frustrating for Patriots fans not to be able to witness the start of their future franchise quarterback’s season, it seems like it’s for the best.
That was always the expectation. The Patriots gave Brissett a one-year contract as a free agent so he can guide Maye as a starter and mentor until the rookie is ready to take the helm. Maye has impressed in the preseason, but the regular season is a whole different caliber. When you look at the Patriots’ roster and schedule, the decision to put Brissett in the starting lineup makes all too much sense.
According to PFF, the Patriots have one of the worst offensive lines in all of football. It was so bad this preseason that Brissett actually injured his shoulder after being sacked in the final preseason game. Not giving a rookie quarterback time to throw and risking injury for a team that probably won’t win many games this season no matter who starts would be a bad move. Giving this offensive line time to improve and gain chemistry before Maye steps in makes too much sense.
Looking at the beginning of their schedule, the Patriots have even more reasons not to play Maye. They face a lot of tough defenses, including early-season games against the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers. Why even use Maye so early in his career against those teams when you can just use him in an easier spot in your schedule later in the year?
If he had the resources that Caleb Williams has in Chicago, then of course it would make sense to have Maye start. It’s so important to give rookie quarterbacks a chance to be successful right out of the gate. With this offensive line, subpar weapons, a new coaching staff, and a tough early schedule, it makes the most sense to let Maye watch Brissett struggle and soak up all the information he can. The Patriots aren’t going to be a playoff team no matter who starts. Benching Maye to start the year is best for him and the organization’s future.
