On Thursday morning, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo confirmed ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s report that Jacoby Brissett had been chosen by him to be the starting quarterback for the team’s Week 1 game in Cincinnati.
He did so by holding a press conference that lasted less than two minutes, which opened with a prepared statement, and was followed by two questions from the assembled media.
Brissett winning the starting job should come as no surprise, as he has received the bulk of the first-team reps throughout training camp, and was treated as a typical starting quarterback throughout the team’s three preseason games - minimal series, always with the starters.
And despite Mayo saying on multiple occasions that rookie Drake Maye had outplayed the nine-year veteran throughout the month of August, he stuck with Brissett to lead the Patriots under center to start the 2024 regular season.
Shortly after Mayo’s brief appearance at the podium, Maye spoke to reporters from his locker ahead of practice.
Even though he lost the battle to Brissett, Maye said he wouldn’t describe himself as being disappointed.
“I wouldn’t say disappointed,” said Maye. “Obviously, you know, there’s two ways to look at it. You know, obviously I wanna play - competitive edge in me. At the same time, I understand the situation.
“You know, kinda was coming in here, and Jacoby’s been in the offense, and he got the reps with the ones all camp. So I can’t really say I’m disappointed, but at the same time I want to be playing.”
So Brissett is QB1, and Maye is QB2.
Despite his new official - albeit expected - placement on the depth chart, Maye said little to nothing will change with his mindset moving forward.
“I don’t think anything’s changed,” said Maye. “You know, I came in here in this camp, you know, working and studying hard to be the starter, and I don’t think that’s gonna change.
“You know, I’m still - shoot, one play away. So just gotta be ready for all circumstances, and here to help Jacoby and keep the vibe in the quarterback room up. Because nothing’s gonna change, you know? Still rooting for him and cheering for him.”
When asked how it’s been for him balancing competing for the starting job, while also respecting Brissett as the veteran QB in the locker room, Maye said it has been tough at times.
“It’s tough kind of balancing that aspect of it,” said Maye. “Him being almost 10 years in the NFL, and coming in my first year, it’s more kind of a learning experience.
“Kinda ask questions, grill him with questions, and other than that - like I said, prove out there when I get my chances to take reps, I’ll show that competitive side.”
Maye said that Mayo was “great” while delivering the news, and was up front and honest with him about the decision to go with Brissett as the starter. He said Mayo told him to “keep doing what he’s doing,” and that he had done a great job throughout training camp.
While Maye is open to the idea of being the back-up QB, he said it’s something he’s still going to have to get used to.
Aug 15, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Gillette Stadium.Eric Canha/USA TODAY Sports
“Yeah, I think that’s something I’m gonna figure out,” said Maye. “You know, I haven’t really balanced that aspect of it. Haven’t really experienced a week like it yet. So kinda figuring it out.
“But other than that, just studying hard. Like I said, anything that Jacoby needs, any cut-ups, kinda little things like that. But other than that, just kinda do take advantage of the reps that I do get, and even some scout team - kinda less guys in the locker room now, you know, with cuts. So get out there and try to make some throws on scout team, and other than that I’m sure I’ll get some second-team reps.”
Coming in at QB3 is rookie Joe Milton III, who had flashes throughout the preseason that had some Patriots fans calling for the 24-year-old to get a real look at a higher spot on the depth chart.
Milton told me that he’s happy for Brissett, and he’ll be ready if-and-when his name is ever called.
“Just go out there and have fun man,” said Milton. “That’s what I like to do, that’s what I’m gonna do, day in and day out. Have fun, be blessed, be thankful for the moment - for the opportunity.
“[Brissett] pretty much been 'the one' ever since we started up, so it’s not new. I’m happy for him, happy for his family, and just the opportunity he’ll have here. You know, he started here, he got drafted here. So just to have that opportunity to come back and do what he needs to do, it’s gonna be great.”
So with the biggest question heading into the regular season now answered, it’s now time to shift gears to the logical next question:
How many weeks will it be before Drake Maye starts in 2024?
