As for the quarterback situation, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has made it clear: The battle between Jacoby Brissett and Drake Mayo for the starting position continues.
That’s a bit surprising, at least for those who assumed the Patriots would take it slow with Maye, the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. New England signed Brissett, a veteran with starting experience, to warm up the spot and eventually make room for Maye.
Ultimately, that could still be the case, but after the Patriots’ second preseason game on Thursday night, Mayo said nothing has been decided yet.
“For me, competition is always the most important thing, at all positions. Even if Drake beats Jacoby, he’s earned that role,” Mayo told reporters after the Patriots’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. “And we don’t really take that into account, when he’s ready and if he’s better than Jacoby, he’ll play. He’ll start.”
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In a subsequent media session on Friday morning, Mayo was asked directly if he thought Brissett and Maye would compete for the starting job before New England’s game against Cincinnati in Week 1.
“I do. We still have three days of training camp left. It’s our job as coaches to judge that, and the competition isn’t over yet. They’re still going to go out there and have to show something not only to themselves and the coaches, but to their teammates. It’s definitely still a competition.”
Maye impressed on Thursday night with his increased playing time after only getting six snaps in the season opener last week. His physical skills are evident. His arm strength is top-notch and he can move well in the pocket to extend plays with his legs. He is better than Brissett in that regard and that is why he was a top pick in the draft. However, he still needs to improve on some very important aspects to play the position at the highest level in order for Mayo and the coaching staff to place him at the top of the rankings.
“First of all, it’s just the whole operation. I think it needs to get faster. I think he needs to get guys in the huddle quicker, get them out of the huddle quicker and get to the line and just be on point.”
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The Patriots still have one warm-up game to play before things really get started. On August 25th they will travel to Washington to play their last friendly against the Commanders.
