Jerod Mayo, the head coach of the New England Patriots, is already facing questions about a potential quarterback controversy after Drake Maye, the team’s third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, saw action in a regular-season game for the first time. Despite calls for Maye to take over starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett, Mayo made it clear that Brissett is still the team’s starter. Brissett struggled during the team’s 24-3 loss to the New York Jets, but Mayo praised his toughness and grit.
The Patriots were shorthanded along the offensive line during the game, which contributed to Brissett’s struggles. He finished the game with only 98 passing yards and was sacked five times. When Maye entered the game in the fourth quarter, he was unable to generate much offense. Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt emphasized the importance of keeping Maye in a backup role for the time being, citing the need for him to continue learning and developing before potentially taking over as the starter.
Mayo acknowledged the challenges that come with a quarterback being thrown into a game mid-way through, noting that it is especially difficult at the quarterback position. He praised Maye for handling himself well and trying to put a drive together despite the circumstances. The Patriots will travel to California next week for a game against the San Francisco 49ers, where they will look to bounce back from their loss to the Jets. Mayo and his coaching staff will continue to evaluate their quarterback situation as they prepare for future games.
Despite the speculation surrounding the quarterback position, Mayo remains focused on supporting Brissett as the team’s starter. He emphasized the importance of building off the experience that Maye gained during his brief appearance in the game against the Jets. Mayo and his coaching staff are committed to helping both Brissett and Maye develop and improve as they navigate the challenges of the NFL season.
The Patriots face a tough road ahead as they look to rebound from their loss and secure a victory against the 49ers. Mayo and his coaching staff are working to address the team’s offensive struggles and ensure that both Brissett and Maye are prepared for the challenges they will face in the upcoming games. Despite the early-season adversity, Mayo remains confident in his team’s abilities and is focused on leading them to success in the weeks and months ahead. Fans will be watching closely to see how the Patriots handle their quarterback situation and how they respond to the challenges they face throughout the season.
