Drake Maye Meets the Media as the Patriots Starting Quarterback

Drake Maye spoke to the media on Wednesday. He talked publicly about being named the New England Patriots starting quarterback for the first time. Maye answered questions about replacing Jacoby Brissett, what he’s learned so far, and what he plans to do Sunday against the Houston Texans.

The Patriots drafted Maye with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Many expected Maye to take the reigns at some point in his rookie season. Following the team’s 1-4 start, head coach Jerod Mayo opted to make the change at quarterback. Some of Drake Maye’s responses during his media availability on Wednesday:

On Being Named the Patriots Starter

“It’s a great opportunity,” said Maye. “Something you dream about, getting your first start in the NFL. Excited to get out there with the guys, take advantage of having the full week to get prepared, and try to put my best foot forward to help this team win.”

Also Read – What to Expect With Drake Maye as QB1 in New England

On What He’s Learned While Sitting

“Just trying to tag along from Jacoby (Brissett), a veteran in this league who does a great job,” Maye said. “Learned so much from him and seeing how he goes about practice. So that’s been probably the best thing of watching Jacoby and watching how he handles the whole nine yards, whether it’s preparing, handling teammates, handling y’all (the media). And just he’s been great and a great mentor.”

On What He Needs To Do

“The biggest thing is just me playing on time, playing in rhythm, and trusting the guys around me.”

On the Changes to the Game Plan

Drake Maye made former Patriots coach Bill Belichick proud with one of his answers. He responded to a question about changes to the Patriots’ offense with the change coming at the quarterback position.

“I’m trying not to give too many hints to the gameplan, we got a game to play on Sunday.”

On Jacoby Brissett

Drake Maye heaped praise upon his successor as New England’s starting QB.

“Jacoby (Brissett) is the ideal teammate, ideal guy to be in the room with as a quarterback,” said Maye. “The biggest thing is you hate it for him. Jacoby fought his butt off, got up every time he’s getting hit. Not only that, he kept that mindset of ‘hey, it’s gonna be the next play.'”

Maye summed up his relationship with Brissett, stating, “He’s a great mentor, great friend, and I’ll try to do everything I can to help him and I’m sure he’ll do the same.”

On Knowing if He Knew a Change Was Coming

“I was just trying to prepare and stay ready every week,” said Maye. “That’s the thing about this league, you never know when you’re number is gonna get called.”

Maye pointed to one key factor that could lead to a change on any team.

“The biggest thing is, it’s a winning league and we’re sitting here at 1-and-4. And I think these guys want to win.”

On Sunday’s Game Against the Houston Texans

“Opportunity against a good football team to go out there and prove some people wrong.”

Maye additionally responded to what he expects from himself on Sunday.

“Go out there and just try to make some plays,” he answered. “I think the biggest thing I was telling some of those guys is, there’ll probably be a little nerves at the beginning. But at the end of the day once we settle down we have a chance to move the football and just have fun out there. Back to having fun going out there. I think that’s what this game’s about. Don’t make it too big or the spotlight too big.”

On New England Patriots Fans

“I think Patriots fans are the best fans in the league,” said Drake Maye. “And looking forward to playing at Gillette in front of them.”