On Thursday, Patriots backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett met with the media ahead of his team’s practice at Gillette Stadium.
This was Brissett’s first time meeting with the media after being given his new depth chart designation, as head coach Jerod Mayo confirmed reports on Wednesday morning that rookie Drake Maye was going to be the starting quarterback for New England moving forward.
The nine-year veteran did not shy away from describing how difficult the news of this benching has been for him.
“What has gone through my mind? A lot of different things,” said Brissett. “New role, so just trying to get ready for that.
“It’s tough. I don’t think words can really describe how tough it is, but yeah.”
When asked how he was doing personally, he said, “I told somebody this the other day, man - I’ve been through hard things in my life. I’m sure this won’t be the last time I’ve gone through something hard. So I’ll be alright.”
Brissett said that Maye asked him how he was doing, and Brissett told him, “Man, if you’re worrying about me, you’re worrying about the wrong thing right now, you know what I mean? I can take care of myself, you know? And obviously I appreciate that, but I’ll be alright.”
Over his four and half minute media availability, Brissett was generally short with his answers.
When asked how he sees his role on the team moving forward, giving the veteran an opening to talk about mentoring Maye over the remaining 12 games, Brissett simply said, “We’ll see going forward.”
When asked if his teammates have remained supportive of him behind the scenes, Brissett said, “Yeah, for sure. You know, yeah. It’s been positive.”
When asked what type of advice he’s given Maye ahead of his first career start, Brissett simply said, “Play well.”
Having been a backup at various points in his career, Brissett said that having the ability to stay ready at all times is something he’s equipped to handle.
“I don’t think that’s an issue for me, because like you said, I’ve been there before,” said Brissett. “But you know, I’m here to support Drake.”
Brissett was asked if there was an understanding before signing his one-year contract with New England that he would only be the starter for a set amount of games before Maye would be handed the keys to the castle.
“No, there was no, I guess, destination or end point in mind,” said Brissett. “But I don’t make the decisions, you know? I mean, so, kind of just roll with the punches, right?”
When asked if he felt there was anything else he could have done to keep his starting job, Brissett said, “I mean like I said, I don’t make those decisions. You know, that’s a head coach decision.”
Brissett went on to say that he’s noticed Maye’s football knowledge has improved since the spring, and that his ability to get into NFL plays rather than college plays has gone up.
“He’s a great kid, great kid,” Brissett said of Maye. “You know, it’s no malice in my heart towards him, obviously. I just want the best for him, and I’m very excited for him.”
While it doesn’t appear that Brissett holds any animosity towards Maye, it’s clear - understandably so - that the 31-year-old isn’t thrilled with this decision by Mayo and his coaching staff.
Regardless of the disappointment, Brissett said he’s excited for his teammate, and that their dynamic won’t change with the new power structure in place.
“He’s excited, which he should be. I got my first start against Houston as well, so hopefully he has the same result. Excited for him.”