Much has been made of Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo choosing nine-year veteran Jacoby Brissett as the team’s starting quarterback over rookie Drake Maye for their Week 1 game in Cincinnati, declaring Brissett had won the job during a 90 second press conference on Thursday morning.
Mayo has said that the QB battle was an open competition, and that Maye outplayed Brissett throughout the preseason. But, ultimately, he believes the vet gives the team their best chance to win right now.
So, alas, Brissett is the guy.
How does Mayo plan on developing their number three overall pick, in an effort to eventually have him ready to play this regular season?
He told The Greg Hill Show on Tuesday that mental reps will be a major factor in 2024.
“We talk about, not only in the game, but also in practice, just getting those mental reps,” said Mayo. “Look, he’ll know what every play is, he’ll make his checks and stuff on the sideline, and continue to develop that way.
“He’ll develop through practice, He’ll get reps, still, with the first team, and also the show team. So, look - we’re sticking to the plan.”
Even though Mayo believes Maye needs more time with mental reps to get to a level where he would be comfortable having him be the starting quarterback, he told the media on Monday that if Brissett gets hurt in Week 1, he’s confident that Maye could step in and be the team’s quarterback in relief.
He said, “If Jacoby was to get injured in the first week, 1000% Drake would be the next guy as the number 2 quarterback on our roster.
“He has no other choice. He's our second-string quarterback.”
Mayo doubled-down on this point with The Greg Hill Show on Tuesday.
“In your mind, is [Maye] the backup?” Greg asked.
“He is the backup.” Mayo quickly responded.
Greg followed this up with, “OK, so if Jacoby Brissett gets hurt, God forbid, then he’s the guy? He’s the guy you go to?”
“I want to be very clear,” said Mayo. “He’s the backup quarterback on our team.”
And with that, the interview was over.
Mental reps on deck for the future of the franchise.