Mayo Officially Names Brissett New England’s Starting Quarterback

Three rookies will begin the 2024 NFL season as their team’s starting quarterback. Drake Maye, the third overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, won’t be among them. New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo announced at a press conference Thursday morning that veteran Jacoby Brissett would be the team’s Week 1 starter.

Mayo stressed repeatedly throughout the offseason that it was an open competition for the team’s starting quarterback spot. He stressed “competition” as the keyword throughout the roster heading into training camp. The head coach acknowledged that Brissett held an advantage coming out of the spring (OTAs and mandatory minicamp) but left the door open for Drake Maye to win the job in camp.

“Coming out of the spring, I don’t think there is any doubt that Jacoby (Brissett) is the starting quarterback at this point time,” Mayo said on Day 1 of training camp. “When we get on the field this summer (in training camp) with the pads on, we’ll see what it’s all about. But coming out of the spring, Jacoby is the most pro-ready guy we have. He’s played a lot of football.”

Also Read – Dan Kelley: Should Mayo Have Announced Patriots Starting QB Before Camp?

Mayo did not dismiss the possibility of Drake Maye winning the job in cap though. The coaches stated, “If he (Maye) comes out here and he lights it up, once again, it goes back to the quality of reps, it could absolutely happen,”

Training Camp Competition

Jacoby Brissett took the vast majority of the first-team reps throughout camp. This made it apparent it would be difficult for anyone to supplant him as QB1. While Drake Maye continued to improve in training camp, his exposure to the first unit was increased only marginally.

Two weeks ago, Jerod Mayo stated there was still an ongoing competition between Brissett and Maye for the starting job.

“The competition isn’t over,” declared Mayo. “It’s definitely still a competition.”

Mayo doubled down on this sentiment before last Sunday’s final preseason game.

“It’s still a competition, and Jacoby (Brissett) is still QB1,” said Mayo.

In Sunday’s game, Jacoby Brissett played only one series. He appeared to injure his shoulder in the game while being sacked. Brissett finished the preseason 5 of 14 passing, for 36 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception.

Drake Maye came in for the second series and impressed. His stats for the game did not include a touchdown pass he threw to K.J. Osborn, which was called back for an illegal formation penalty. Maye finished off the preseason having completed 21 of 34 attempts for 192 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. Maye rushed for an additional 32 yards on seven attempts.

Based on Jerod Mayo’s decision, Drake Maye did not “light it up” enough to surpass Jacoby Brissett for the starting quarterback job. Maye is the future of the franchise, but the future will have to wait for a little while longer. Brissett will start Week 1 for the New England Patriots. Jerod Mayo stated after the preseason finale that “the best players will play” and at least for now, he believes Brissett is the best quarterback on the roster.